The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1876-03-31

singer like Signora Falfalini o.
Then why do you not become one T.
i inquired.
because ma had such an objection to
anything of public character. She felt
that should be demeaned by 80 doing,
and advised me to content myself with
contributing to the qualification OF my
friends at home. You have never heard
me sing, 1 Think"
/ had at times heard a very shrill
voice, in very high key, as / sat in my
room, which had struck me as far from
agreeable. Thought it best, however,
without mentioning this, to utter a SIM
pie negative.
"You must not expect much," con-
tinued Sophronia "my voice is rough
and uncultivated. Ma Is always telling
me that ought to devote more attention
to il but I can never sing except when
inspiration seizes me. If you viii come
in tomorrow evening, l will sing to
you, if you would like"
expressed my thanks for this disin-
terested kindness, and, as the concert
was finished, proceeded to escort the
lady home.
As we were making our way through
the crowd, it Glanced that some one
accidentally or otherwise, jostled my
companion.
She Immediately seized my arm con-
vulsively, and informed me that she had
been insulted.
"Who did p" stammered /; for L
confess my courage is not of the highest
order.
In reply Sophronia pointed out tall
gentleman with fierce moustache, who
was standing at little distance.
Mentally deciding that it might not
be prudent to have an alteration with
such person, fastened to assure my
companion that it might have been an
accident.
"No," said she, very decidedly. cit
was not an accident. 1t was intentional.
wish you to demand an apology in my
name. :"
"Don't you ink it would be better,
said 1, in great embarrassment "to treat
him with silent contempt z"
Sophronia was by no means of this
opinion. Accordingly approached the
gentleman, who appeared still more
formidable on a nearer view, and asked,
in what was intended to be resolute
tone, "What he meant by insulting the
lady under my charge ?"
"Sir-r-r !" he calculated, wheeling
sharply around.
/ repeated my request in fainter
tone, and suggested that L trusted it
was accidental on his part.
Stroking his moustache very fiercely,
he informed me that he had no explana-
ton to make; that if 1 wished to hear
from him at any time, should have an
opportunity, and forthwith presented
me his card.
Without stopping to look at it, shrank
away in the crowd, and soon reaceed
home.
My companion intimated that she sup
posed I should seek satisfaction in the
usual way.
1 said something indistinctly-I am
not sure exactly what-and very thank
fully took leave of the fair Sophronia in
the entry.
Reaching my chamber, examined the
card which had been placed in my hand,
and found inscribed thereon the name of
Captain Achilles Brown, Aston House.
Very probably he was distinguished by
the same qualities which characterized
his great 'namesake, and it made me shiv-
or even to think of combat with. him.
Resolving that / would at least take ev-
cry possible means to avoid it, went to
bed and sank into slumber disturbed
by frightful dreams. In which fancied
myself shot through the heart by the
terrible Achilles Brown.
Early next morning, while in the mo-
mentary expectation of hearing the
breakfast bell, was startled by a knock
at the door. Immediately afterward en-
tered a tall man, bearded like bard"
He introduced himself to me as cousin
of Sophronia, and intimated that, having
heard of nv difficulty of the previous
evening, he had come to offer his SER
vices as my second.
Thanking him for his kindness, said
that / had not as yet decided TO call out
the gentleman in question.
"Not yet decided?" repeated my Wis
itor, springing to his feet, causing me
thereby to recede two PAGES, in some
personal apprehension "not yet de-
cided But perhaps do not understand
you?"
[ intimated, rather comfortably, that
1 had conscientious scruples against the
practice of the duello.
Conscientious fiddlesticks I" inter
rupted my visitor. "Sir, you naust
fight. There is no alternative. A lady
has been insulted while under your pro-
lection. That lady is my cousin. IN
less YOU take notice of it must"
"But you have no quarrel with Capt
Brown" / said.
"You misunderstood me-" said he,
gravely. "Unless you challenge Capt.
Brown, shall understand it as a per-
sonal disrespect to my cousin, and shall
challenge you. Choose which you will
fight"
This was said so resolutely that / sue
cumbed at once. reflected that, while
there was equal danger to be incurred in
duel with my visitor, there would be
less credit.
"Shall write the missivea" inquired
my companion, who called himself Lieut..
Eustace.
Yes, said family.
He sat down at my desk, and in few
minutes produced the following:
"Sir:-You grossly insulted young lady
while under nv protection, last evening. Az
man of honor, Icsll upon you either for an ample
apology. or for the usual Satisfaction accorded