The Brookhaven ledger. (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1878-06-13

ultu sItek IoSuIOu, Dut W0I0 HOt OVcr
fond Of his military manners and boast
full airs Of conquest.
They were readily induced to enter
into the plot against him.
So, one day, friend, whom we shall
cali Jones, said tolhim:
| "My dear Lagos. there's to be gor-
geouus arrival tonight. A magnificent
widow. Beautiful Lagos - beautiful
as dream.
The Majors eyes twinkled.
"Wha.'s this angels name?"
"dobbs-Mrs. Gobbs!"
/ "Gobbs?' exclaimed the Major, hor-
riRed. What name for o beautiful
woman!'
..Oh, bother that" said Jones, "a
rose with any other name would smell, F"
etc.
+ "tJVill be introduced to herr"
lyon will, Major. 1, Jones, will see
to it."
Lagos became Shakespearian:
"Till then, sit still, my soul!"
That night there was a hop. Present,
all those in the plot against the Major.
Enter the widow Gobbs. escorted by
Mr.. Jones. Our military friend pluck
ed up his shirt collar, ran his fingers
through his hair and struck q graceful
position, and awaited the introduction.
"Mrs. GOODS. allow me, to make yon
acquainted with my friend, Minor
Lagos"
The beautiful widow bowed with
great grace, and the coquettish glance
she gave the Major from under her dark
lashes thrilled him. Then they danced.
Dancing was always serious business
with the Major.
His motions were suggestive of man
on stills, and his face wore q funeral
expression. But in this dance he smil-
ed, for the widows glances were almost
tender. What need to recount Mrs.
Gobbs' arts, or Major Laggs's gallan-
try?
Two weeks passed, and the evening
came when the farce of proposing and
running away was to be again enacted.
They were alone in little conservar
tory. The flowers around were sugges-
tive of romance, and the widow sighed.
The Major could hold himself no
longer.
MADAM, no flower here is more
beautiful than you, Behold me your
adorer and slave"
Again the widow sighed.
"My income, madame, is three thou
sand. Will yon make an unpolished
military man happy with your hand?'
Thus, reconing without his host.
Lagos rushed upon his fate. What an
awful widow! Upon the moment, show
ing no hesitation whatever, Mrs. Cobbs'
head dropped upon his shoulder, and
she whispered:
"I am yours, DEAR"
Here was dreadful state OF affairs.
Her face was beautiful but he contem-
plated it with horror. Oh, if he could
only have borrowed South American
earthquake for a few minutes! He held
her head as most bachelors do babies
This woman was determined to marry
him. How should he be rid Of her? lie
resolved to appeal to the mercenary
part, of her nature.
Perhaps" he said, lin the ardor OF
my love. I exaggerated my yearly income.
Could you love comparatively poor
man?""
What disinterested affection.
II love you for yourself alone, Msjov, u
she murmered. Nothing shall part
me from You"
He nearly groaned. He was canght
at last-had proposed once too often.-
He must make the best of it now, hop
ing for something to turn up to free
him from his bondage.
When he left her. that night, it was
with the promise that on the morrow
she should wear the engagement ring.
When he had gone, how that dreadful
widow laughed and shook her little fist
after him!
On the morrow AS the Major had
promised, she wore the engagement
ring--a plain gold one.
There is no need to describe the Ma
jur's misery. He was crestiallen; be
lost his military air, and had the sub
dued manners Of that mythical individ'
nal known as "a high private in the
rear rank"
At last, in desperation, he confided
in his friend Jones.
Let this be lesson to you,' re.
piled Jones, winking mentally to him
sell. lyon wish my advice! l see
but one way out of it-quarrel with
her."
"Quarrel with her? But there must
be cause"
1.-THE cause, man.. is right ct yonl
hand. Didn't you see her dance with
that big whiskered Lagrange, last
night?"
| "Yes."
"He's the man, Major. Keep youl
eye on them-keep your eye on them!
The MAJOR did keep his eye on them
Fierce, looking. big whiskered Legrangt
was certainly very attentive. He rub
bed his hands with delight, though h'
tried hard to convince himself that III
was virtuously indignant.
J Jones may be considered head fent
:. in the plot against the Major. for whel
} that military gentleman came to hin
again for advice, he said:
"You must quarrel with her befor
4 A.