The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1877-02-21
THE RAPE OF THE LOCK.
Senatorial Virtue Not Proof Against
Feminine Establishments
Washington Letter to the Cincinnati En-
quirer

Feminine BtandhsnmentS-
Washington Letter to the Cincinnati En-
quirer
Writing of Roscoe's conceit reminds one
of an adventure that befell a statesman OF
the same eminence and same peculiarities in
New York some time ago. A mischievous
little devil OF woman, pendriver, who is
as pretty as she is clever, heard the solOn de-
liver an eloquent speech on the issues of the
day at Cooper institute She took the meas
ure of the man. and fixed her bright, black
eyes upon one curl that adorned his Jove-
like sconce. She must have that curl
if she died for il. She felt that it was
the Samson lock of strength and she was
fascinated by the idea that she was the Del
lilah to shear it from his head. That very
night, before her blonde head found rest
upon her pillow, she wrote, over an assumed
name, a love letter. 1t was so cleyeriy done,
so light, graceful, witty and yet poetical,
that it brought an answer. She was quick to
respond, and a correspondence ensued that
ended in a meeting. 1t was arranged that
the statesman should pick up his mysterious
love on a certain corner as he drove to Gen.
trail park
1t is hard to believe that an eminent
statesman-a solemn, steady man so marked
in appearance and so we'll known to the pub
lie, should indulge in mad freak such as
this But mark the motive. There was so
much artless simplicity mingled with such
genius IN the letters that the solon was
touched. He meant to protect this innO-
cent girl from herself Poor philanthrOpist!
he little dreamed that the infatuated fair
one had experienced two husbands and was
the mother of children. | do not blame
him, for at the time of our little drama. the
heroine was remarkably L may say miracu-
lousy, youthful and fresh in her appear
ance But our eminent friend was
the soul of honor. His intentions
were honorable. He stepped aside
from his high duties, not to pluck a
little flower but TO throw about that sensi-
tive plant the shield of his moral nature.
To this high-toned end he kept the appoint
ment and found himself seated by slender,
curly-headed, black-eyed beauty, richly but
faultlessly dressed, who stole shy glances at
him, and was so very ditfident that CONVEX
sation was rather difficult, At last the hon.
orable solon made a remark. 1t was uttered
in his deep mellow voice, and to the effect
that the weather was fine. The little crea-
ture responded in a low, hesitating "Yes"
that stole from between her ripe lips like
frightened mouse, and was accompanied by
so sweet glance that the statesman incOn
tinently stole his arm about her slender
waist. And yet the stern purpose of
his chaste soul held its own, and he
asked her solemnly if she had duly
weighed the consequences of her wild adj
venture. Another mouse like yes stole out.
He then went on to depict the i'll results of
such conduct He did this quietly yet
firmly, and as he spoke her lovely head
dropped, and after time her fair face was
hidden in little hands and delicate lace
handkerchief, and her lovely form shook
with laughter.
The moral statesman thought she was
crying What could he do but draw her
closer to him, and while gently stroking
her silken ringlets sOOthe her with soft.
comforting words. He told her that he had
seen much of this wicked world and how
unprotected lambs were sacrificed by
wolves. He said he was old enough to be
her father, and was glad of the opportunity
given him to aid her as a father. All the
while his arm and his face got close to the
hidden one that now sobbed upon his
broad, manly breast
What do you think of this now, my
child?" he tenderly demanded.
II think" she responded, between her
little hands, that if we had more love and
less morality, or more morality and less
love, ii would be better. They don't mix
we'll"
Had an ounce of dynamite exploded under
that part of this statesman's person where
the legs end and the body begins, it could
not have astonished more, for there was the
lovely face looking up to him not only
smiles like newborn Venus rising from
sea of skirts.
"Come, now," she cried, her words rip
ping with laughter, Il am mad girl, and
love you. | know that it is wrong-that it
is a sin-but, father" and she put on a
mock gravity that was perfectly bewitching
''you know that it is law of our being that
the naughty is nice, because it is forbidden
But don't be alarmed. This is all my own
doing. You are not leading me astray; | 60
myself. You can not make me other than
l am, for you can not prevent my loving
you, you great, good mainland don't you
love me just little bit?'
Ali what a coaxing, deliciously infatua-
ting query was thatl The tempting little
Eve holding out the forbidden fruit But
the statesman made grand struggle. He
drew her 10 him and said:
You must think of this. You say il is
your own act. Take "a hours to consider of
it, will meet you on this spot tomorrow
at noon. If by that time you yet persist"
He hesitated, and she continued:
1--WE will have more love and less moral
ity. Now, my loved guide, philosopher and
friend, have favor to ask before we sep
aTate.''
ANY thing on EARTH" he calamity re-
sponded
II want a lock of your dear, beautiful
hair to wear next my heart"
Take it," said the gallant gentleman, re-
moving his hat and bowling his massive
dome of thought. A delicate pair of scis-
sors, suddenly whipped out, was heard to
snap twice. and the famous lock so courted
fell in her fair hand, and was transferred to
her pocket. The heightened, moral states
man was startled. A lock, it was more like
scalp, and pulled his hat over his troubled
brow with a strange misgiving that all was
not right They separated, and the next
days noon found the eminent man pacing
the sequestered spot. watch III hand, waiting
for that fair vision that was soon to bless his
eyes again. Could those eyes have seen
around corner of wall near, they would
have encountered not one pair, but two, of
laughing eyes, that watched as he paced inn
patiently to and fro with the vexatious
thought upon his giant mind that be had