Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1877-10-27
THE YOUNG WIDOW;
How Captain Champions Heart was
TOIChet,


till he is perfectly cool"
The words were addressed to the hostler OF
hotel at Brighton by handsome middle
aged gentleman 10 the height Of fashion, as be
alighted from an elegant black horse and toss
cd the reigus to an attendant
"And now" said the horseman, addressing
the waiter, "show me into private paTlor."
a weildressed man, who rides a handsome
nag, is always sure Of warm welcome at a
public house all the world over.
Our friend found himself in a neat paror.
with flowers and vases on the mantelpiece,
and the blinds for it was summer afternoon)
carefully closed, while the open windows per-
mitted the free current Of air to circulate
through the apartment.
The waiter remained standing near by the
door
Any orders, 81: ?"
"No-yes, 'stay-who came in thlt hand
some pbHton saw standing in the yard ?"
"A lady, sir"
"Ahw
"a young widow"
"Bahw
"She is very handsome"
" Go along and shut the door after you p
muttered the traveller
a young widow" he soliloquized; 81 am
glad don't know her: am certainly very
fortunate to have attained the age Of forty
without any feminine attachment. Pecuuiar-
lily ndependcnt-not ill-looking think
must admit that should make what those
busy bodies, match-makers, call grand catch
But, thank my stars, have happily preserved
my content aud independence so far, and I'm
not likely to succumb now No no Jack
Champion was born to live and die bachelor.
Aud now for the newspaper"
In the meautime another horseman had
come to the hotel, bis hoise reesing with sweat
and literally unable to place one foo. before
the other.
The same bostler now made his appearance.
Pat" said the young man, fashionabIy at
tired, put my mare in the stable, and DC the
best you can for her"
"Och, Misthur Traverse, and she's entirely"
"Im afraid So"
Then what the devil made you crowd her
so ?"
NO matter. Is ny sister here ?"
"Yes, sir Show the gentleman into the Ia
dies parlor"
"ob, Belle" said the young man, care you
here?'
Yes" replied the beautiful young woman,
rising to meet him but what's the matter
with your
Nothing, Belle, nothing"
Something is certainly the matter. You
look flushed and excited"
"That's not all"
"Oh, do please tell me what has happened"
at must be brief for I'm pursued"
Pursued ?"
"Yes. You know that fellow who insulted
yon in the coach" said the young man
80 Well, | have been on his track for more than
a week met him to-day in the street. and .
gave Him confoundsd good horse whipping /
I used him pretty roughly, I'm afraid lie
got warrant against me, and /
DO. wishing 70 be dragged into court till was
ready, mounted ny horse and gave tie Of
fcers the slip. Perhaps I'd better waited and .
braved it out; but having taken this step, I'm
bound to battle them. Vow, Belle, if your
pony will take me to your uncle's in Eve min
ltes, I'm your man"
:" Poor Charley couldn't 90 it," answered .
he lady. T
Then I'll make other arrangements. By
he by, Belle, III meet you at the villa"
From the drawing room the young man
.ushed to the stable.
Pat" said he, give NE horse-a good
me-"
Nora the horse we've got in the stable,
.xcept the black, and ne belongs to a gentle
nan that came just before ye. Och, but he's
good one, your onnor-2:4O to a cint."
"I1l borrow him." said Traverse, as he
umped on bis back. Tell Belle to drive the
- -. a. - III, IL /, - ii L.ro Al. f