The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1875-03-05

= At supper l had a seat opposite her
She WAS engaged in animated converse
tion with q gentleman, who, was glat
to see, was not the young man L Ia,
seen driving out with her. As sh'
glanced timidly at me, 1 felt more than
ever. certain could read in those mag
netic looks meaning that thrilled m,
= with delight We returned to the ball
room, and when / had conducted to
4 seat the lady under my charge, wen
in pursuit of my beloved. To my dis
may saw her coEversing with her com
1 panion of the mornings drive. A hoot
of passionate anger swept over me, bu
o she gave me glance that instantly qui
eted tho raging elements.
The ball was over. The sweet girl
loved was just leaving the room, accom-
panied by the gentleman / had seer
driving with her. As l approached tc
take my leave, could not avoid hearing
the last words of their conversation.
81 may speak to your father, then, to-
morrow! :" asked the young man, in an
unmistakable tone of heartfelt rapture.
81 viii prepare him, was the reply.
'He is already disposed in your favor,
and will, | am sure, give his consent"
"You are an angel" exclaimed the
young man. "rhe happiness of my
whole life"
"Wait till everything is arranged, -
said the girl with smile, and then trip
ped on to join her father.
[ stood aghast and petri6ed. We're
her love-glances ut me, then, merely
Icoquetery, or had deceived myself ?
No, no; there was no mistake. Her
looks had expressed love, if ever such
was painted in maiden's eyes. And yet
in a fury dashed out of the room.
| met General Upton in the ante-room !;
[ could have strangled him for his
daughters sake. A commonplace re-
mark from him as to some foolish freak
of mine made me still more enraged,
and retorted in violent excitement, al
do not choose, Generel Upton, to hear
from You any insolent comments on my
conduct consider your conduct, sir,
unbecoming gentleman.
Sir" replied the old soldier, ''ifI
your deliberate design is to insult me, it
were better to have the conversation
conducted through the medium of a
friend"
GAS you please; shall expect him.
l answered with stiff bow. and hurried
away, leaving the old man moro grieved
and astonished than angry.
Shortly after Colonel Bell, my de-
tested rival, stood before me, and re-
quested to speak with mo in another
room. followed him. He stated that
he came on the part of General Upton,
who thought my insulting language to
him the result of some misunderstand-
ing, and wished TO be assured that it
was so.
Ny fury nearly choked me at sight of
the man who had defrauded me of my
happiness. L refused to retract or to
explain my words; and when informed
that n duel must inevitably result, ac-
quiesced, and the time and place ap-
pointed the next morning at 8, at Worm
wood Scrubbs. bsde Colonel Bell Sc
lect and bring what weapons he choose
He went ont, and 1 then asked one of
my friend to walk hOmeward with me.
l told him of the impending duel, and
requested his services as my second,
which he promised. He was amazed to
hear who was my opponent, and that
the courtly General had ventured an un-
seemly jest. After pause no said,
'Poor Colonel Bell In case of mis-
chance to the General what is he to do 2"
"What do you meant" asked trem-
bling violently.
"You know" my friend replied, ''that
Colonel Bell is in love with General Up
toms niece and ward. Miss Campbell,
who has been spending the winter with
her aunt, Lady Mouutioy, in Belgruye
Square. 1t was said the General sent
her there to keep her out of Bells way;
for he was averse to the match, thinking I
the Colonel wanted the girls money. :
They say he persuaded Miss Upton to .
be his advocate; she can do what she /
will with her father, and he has now
the best prospect of success" :
felt as if thunderbolt had fallen at
my feet. To blank amazement sue '
ceeded rage at myself and my jealous I
folly and blindness. II could only
throw myself at the feet of the General, Z
his daughter, and Colonel Bell, and beg
their forgiveness2 But had provoked 4
and accepted a challenge; and what
would now be thought of such submis- ,
sion They would believe me coward, !
No, no, insulted the General, and he,
At least, must have satisfaction.
In the morning dressed myself with :
care. Once more the blood /
,oursed in free and lively tide through I