Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1877-10-27

Very singular" said the widow "but
William always has been very eccentric"
Atthis crisis Mr.. Champion appeared.
Ny horse ready?"
Jump in, sir"
81 didn't come in a carriage"
In wild ye," shouted the hostlcT.
"Take seat beside me, if you please, sir,
said the widow, with her mosl fascinating
smile
Mr. Champion approached the step to in
quire the meaning, when the hostler seized him
with vigorous hand and thrust him into the
phaton, while the pony, startled by the move
ment, dashed off at run.
Poor Captain Champion Here was sitr-
alton A confirmed old bachelor bodily alb
ducted by q fascinating young widow
The Captain had to lend his assistance to
the young widow in managing the pony, who
was shortly reduced to his usual slow, quiet
pace. For his assistance Mrs Leslie told him
that in few minutes he should be in possess
ion of his horse, which had been borrowed by
o gentleman. This was all the explanation
she had vouchsafed She required in turn to
be made acquainted with the name Of her COM
paniou, after her own.
In a few minutes the Captain began to BE-
somewhat q. ease-in fact he began to like his
position He had never sat so near pretty
woman 10 his life, and be began to ask him
self whether, if the proximity was so pleasant
for few minutes constant .companionship
might not prove agreeable. While her atten-
tion was engaged on her pony, he bad an OPP
portunity to survey her features. Her large,
dark aud luminous eyes seemed to be literally
swimming in their liquid ustrc. Her profile
was strictly Greciau, aud her parted lips show
ell row of pearls as white as snow
The most deIicately tapered fingers, encased in
French kid, closed upon the reius, and the
7arnished tip Of dainty boot, indicated a
foot that Cinderella nigh. have enyied.
"Do you live far from here, Madame ~
asked the Captain.
Not very far. The pony can mend his
pace if you are in hurry"
"Not for the world. The pace seems to
be fast one"
The widow turned those bewitching eyes of
hers upon the old bachelor and smiled.
1t was all over with him. When be sprang
out at tho villa and touched the fingers Of the
widow bis heart was irteirievahly lost.
A red-faccd old gentleman, in dressing
gown received them a. the door.
Ny friend, Captain Champion" said the
old gentleman. walk iu-war;n day"
Very" said the Captain.
And indeed his looks seemed to corroboratc
the statement, for he was as red as penny.
The Captain and the oii gentleman were
chatting familiarly, and the former felt him
self completely at home.
After an hour spent in this manner, the host
excused himself, aud the bachelor was left
alone.
His dreamy reverie was interrupted 10y the
sound Of voices in the hall The Captain
easily recognized the widows, and glance
through the half-open door showed him that
her companion was a handsome young gentle
man.
There, dear Belle said The young man.
" do not scold me any more. won't do SO
any more. Now, give me kiss.
a hearty smack followed. It was veri-
table genuine kiss-the Captain saw and heard
it. A pans shot through bis heart
"The only woman could ever love" said
he to himself, "and she is engaged"
The widow tripped into the room. If she
was pleasing in her carriage dress, she was
perfectly bewitcbing in her drawing room at
tire Champion could now see the whole Of
that fairy foot
my dear sir" said she, "your horse is now
at your service
Champion rose.
"But," she added, you stay aud take din
ner with us, my uncle will be very much de-
lighted, and | shall be highly pleased.
"The coquette. thought Champion. az
I'm obliged to you, madam, but have an en-
Then we cannot hope to detain you, sir,
but you must allow me to present you to my
brother"
The handsome young man made his ap-
pearance, and shook hands with the bachelur
This's the horss-;hief, Captain" said the
widow laughing.
The young man apolosizee aud explained
he circumstances which impelled him to take
iuch liberty.
I'm sorry" be added, "that We cannot
improve the acquaintance thus casually made