The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1877-08-02
The Dancing Lesson-A "Reminiscences OF
DR.. Edward Young.

The Dancing Lesson-A "Reminiscences OF
DR.. Edward Young.
1t was one of London's gala days. The
Thames was alive with pleasure boats
and its banks We're thronged with people
Let us visit N;uXhall," proposed one
of a bevy OF beauties escorted by Il gen
tle-loolling youth, as they stood contcm-
plating the enllVcning spectacle
None dissenting, Il boat was hailed and
the party entered.
1t was the lovlicst of spring evenings
On every hand white sails glistened
while an inspiriting breeze rippled the
water, whose joyous murmurs, mingled
with the hum of voices and broken by
splash of oars and an occasional hilarious
shout, gave token that Father Thames
was at his happiest and gayest
Catching the animation of the scene,
the young man drew a flute from his
pocket and played several gleetul airs. He
was al excellent performer and soon had
a crowd of listeners. Other boats drew
near, whose passengers bent forward in
eager admiration. But the young musi-
elan, it seems, had no desire to exhibit in
public, for at once he ceased to play and
returned the instrument to his pocket.
Among the craft that had gathered
round, was a barge containing 4 company
OF gaily- dressed officers. One of these,
having no mind to be baked in his wish
to be amused, III a tone SaVoring more Of
command than OF request, directed the
player to continue.
The insolent demand passed unheeded.
Threats followed, but produced no great
er effect. Furious at the failure of his
staggering words to intmidate the meek
faced youth. the officer ordered the row
ers to force the barge alongside the boat.
declaring his purpose to fling the Offend
ing tlutist overheard.
The ladies were greatly frightened.
Seeing the stalwart bully prepare to exc
cute his threat, they implored their young
companion to yield, at least for their sake.
Rosy lips are always eloquent The
young man smiled, and resllming his flute
played a number of airs even gayer than
before
The victorious officer beat time affect
edly, applauded mockingly each perform
ance, and, by his eXultant manner seemed
to say
''See how redoubtab.e | am
At length they reached NauNlall,
where the two parties separated.
Though calm in appearance, the young
man burned to resent the atlront he had
received. Not an instant did he lose
sight of his insulter Separating from
the ladies under some preteXt, he watch
ed his opportunity to approach the Off
Ger in an isolated spot.
"Iour tone, sir" he said, 'appcars Il
little overbearing."
cat least [ make myself obeyed," was
the naughty answer
THAT depends on how one regards it;
for my part, | think otherwise"
"At any rate, in your case"
''Oh you can hardly suppose" inter
rupted the young man, "that | yielded
in obedience to your orders"
''To what end is all this ;"
''To explain that played the flute,
not at your command, but in compliance
with the wishes of the ladies, whom you
were valiant enough to seek to frighten"
Gam | to understand this is a chal-
lenge?"
"Why not ?"
The officer smiled disdainfully.
"Well, sir" he rejoined, ''you are en-
titled to satisfaction when and where
will you have it ;"
"To-morrow, at daybreak, in Hyde
Park, without seconds, the quarrel being
private"
"Ihe weapons ~
"SwOrds."
The conditions settled, the parties sep
arated.
Both were punctual to the engagement.
The officer took his place, and was pre-
pairing to put himself on guard, when the
young musician, from whose face all eX-
preston of meekness had disappeared,