Connecticut western news., 1876-03-31
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 THE BRTDALeEVE.
4 StOs.y of t7se ReUOtastto',0s'y Wn1

.OQ0 summer Q1gQG the DldZ0 or many lights streaming from the windows of an old mansion, .,peEched among the rocks and woods, flashed far over the dark waters of l. ke Champlain.
 In 8 quiet, and comfortable chamber of that mansion party of British off cers, sitting around a table spread with viands, discussed topic of some inter est, if it was not the most important in the world, while the tread of the dancers shook the floor of the adjoining room.
 Yes, while all is gayety and dance and music in the largest hall of the old man. sion, whose hundred lights glanced far over the waters of Champlain-here in this quiet room, with the cool evening breeze blowing in their faces through the opened windows, here this party of British officers had assembled to discuss their favorite topic.
 That topic was-the comparative beauty of tie women of the world.
 "As for me-" said handsome young ensign, "I will match the voluptuous forms and dark eyes of Italy against the beauties of all the world l"
 "Apd l, said bronzed old veteran, who had risen to the colonelcy by his long service and hard fighting ''and I have pretty lass of daughter there in England. whose blue eyes and faxen hair would shame your tragic beauties of Italy into very ugliness." l.. r. .'t have served in India, as you all must know,'' said the major, who sat next to the veteran, "and I never saw painting or statue, much less living woman, half so lovely as some of those Hindoo maidens, bending down with water lilies in their hands; bending down by the light of torches, over the dark waves of the Ganges."
 And thus, one after another, ensign, colonel aud major, had given their opin- ion. The last was captain, who wore handsome scarlet coat, glittering epau- lettes, lace ruffles on his bosom and around his wrists.
 "Come, captain, shouted the ensign; "decide this great question Which are the most beautiful-the red cheeks of England, the dark eyes of Italy, or the graceful forms of Hindoostan ?''
 The captain hesitated for moment, and then replied:
 "Mold your three models of beauty your English lass, your Italian queen, your Hindoo nymph-into one, and add
 
 color and form and feature, and I would not compare this perfection of loveliness for single moment with the wild and artless beauty of-an American girl. The laugh of the three officers, for a moment, drowned the echo of the dance in the next room.
 "Compare his American milkmaid with the woman of Italy!"
 !" Or the lass. of England !"
 cor the graceful Hindoo girl '"
 This laughing scorn of the officers stung the handsome captain to the quick.
 "Hark vel" he cried, half rising from his seat, with flushed brow, but deep and deliberate voice: "To-morrow l marry a wife; an American girl! To night, at midnight, too, that American girl will join the dance in the next room. You shall see her-you shall judge for yourselves whether the American woman is not the most beautiful in ths world p "We have heard something of youl marriage, captain, ' said the gay ensign, "but we did not think it would occur so suddenly. Only think of it To- morrow you will be gone-settled- dyer dict brought in-sentence passed-a married man! But tell me2 How will your ladylove be brought to this house tonight I thought she resided within the rebel ines?"
 "She does reside there! But have | sent messenger-a friendly Indian chief, on whom I can place the utmost | dependence bring her from hel present home, at dead of night, through l the forest to this mansion. He is to re. eleven l"
 Friendly Indian l'' echoed the vete- ran colonel; "rather an odd guardian for pretty woman !'
 And you will match this lady against all the world for beauty2" said the major.
 "Yes, and if you do not agree with me, this hundred guineas which I lay upon the table shall serve our mess for month to come. But if you do agree with meas without donbt you will then you are to replace this gold with a hundred guineas of your own.''
 Agreed It is a wager l" chorused the colonel and the two other officers.
 And in that moment-while the door, way was thronged by fair ladies and gay officers, attracted from the next room by the debate-as the captain stood, with one hand resting upon the little pile of gold, his ruddy face grew suddenly pale as shroud, his blue eyes dilated, until they were encircled by line of white enamel; he remained standing there, as if frozen to stone.
 "Why, captain, what is the matter 2" cried the colonel, starting up in alarm ; edo you see ghost, that you stand gazing there at the blank wall ?''
 The other officers also started up in alarm, also asked the cause of this sin