The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1876-03-30
AN AFFAIR OF HONOR.

AN AEEAlK III HUNUks
For fve-and-forty years I have borne
the name of Peter Smith. Though you
have never heard of me, fatter myself
that my family name will be familiar to
you. am quiet In my habits, and, I
believe, not disposed to interfere with
the rights of other men; yet even this
did not avail to save me some ten years
since from becoming involved in an af-
fair of honor. Let me tell you how it
happened.
At the time of which speak was an
inmate of Mrs. Jones family. I use-the
word inmate advisedly, since it was well
known that Mrs. Jones never took
boarders. In fact, she expressly gave
me to understand that her only induce
ment in taking me was the pleasure she
expected to derive from my society; that
she was far above mercenarY considera-
tons. OF course felt fattered by the
compliment thus insinuated, though I
confess was somewhat surprised, since
all mercenary considerations were dis
claimed, to be- charged higher rate for
board than had ever paid. Still did
not demur, feeling certain that had at
length found home.
Let me describe Mrs. Jones, my host
ess. Physically speaking, should say
that she came of a great family, her
proportions being most aristocratic. In
her demeanor toward me she was always
very gracious and condescending, for
which felt properly gratifed. She al
ways came to the table arrayed in stiff
satin. the very rustic of which betrayed
her consequence, and impressed me with
my comparative insignifcance.
Mrs. Jones had daughter, by name
Sophronia. In external appearance,
she was quite unlike her parent, being
exceedingly tall and slender, while the
other was short and dumpy. In copy
of verses she was kind enough to show
me, some enthusiastic young man had
the temerity to call her sylph. I do
not know much about sylphs, never hay
ing seen one to my knowledge; but I
question much whether sylphs have red
hair, or noses with an upward tendency.
L have my doubts also as to whether
ssylphs squirt Still / am far from de-
nying that Miss Sophronia Jones was a
sylph, since that belief evidently afford
led her satisfaction.
Mrs. Jones' table was admirably adapt
ed for valitudinarian. There he would
find no dishes Of unwholesome richness
nothing indeed that was calculated to
induce excessive eating. If, as some
physicians have declared, health is best
s. preserved by rising from the table with
an appetite, was never in fairer way
to secure its blessings than when enjoy
: ing the genteel insufficiency of Mrs
Jones hospitality.
About month after my arrival con-
versation turned, at the dinner table,
upon q concert which was to be given
the same evening by Signora Falfalini.
have poor memory for italian names,
but this is the name to the best of nv
recollection.
60 wish could go, ma, said the fair
s. Sophronia.
$50 you could, my DEAR" replied
Mrs. Jones, eff you had a gentleman
protector"
Thereupon she began TO disclaim
,agrinst the customs of society which
preclude a ladY's attending place of
amusement without gentleman, lament
ing that Sophronia had on this account
been more than once debarred from
gratifying her exquisite taste in music.
OF course I could not In politeness re-
frain from offering my escort, although
I should thereby be prevented from at
tending the weekly meeting of the club
of which was member.
Sophroria, in great confusion, said she
could not think of troubling me.
began to hope that she would not,
but her mother quickly silenced her
scruples by saying that she was silly
girl (thirty -fyeSif she's day., and that
she must not think of refusing.
Sophronia made no further objections,
and had the pleasure of paying high
price for couple of tickets.
Nature not having bestowed on me
musical ear, [ could enter but indifer-
emily into the rapture of my companion,
who pronounced Signora FaIfalini s sing
ing divine, although she considered her
quite devoid of personal attractions
The signort. being built after the same
model as Sophronia, quite agreed with
her In this bit of criticism.
"Do you know" simpered my COM
panion, confdingly, Il have myself
thought at times that ] was designed by