The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-04-04

lttht "a 1t.
There was maiden aunt of eighty in
the house, to play propriety, and allow
her the privilege of having as many
bachelors to tea as she chose, and Mr..
Bunting forgot his Jealousy and was
once more happy.
He was, truth to tell, very much in
love with the widow, who was his junior
by fifteen years.
He liked the idea of her living OH the
interest of her money, too.
She was splendid housekeeper and Il
fine pianist.
She was popular and good looking.
He intended to offer himself for her
acceptance as soon as he felt sure that
she would not refuse him.
But this dreadful Professor La Fon-
taine, with black eyes as big as saucers
and long side whiskers, black also as any
ravens wing, had the advantage of being
the widows junior
This opportunity to make fool of her
self is so irresistible 10 ev ry widow.
1t troubled his dreams a good deal
not that he thought him handsome.
Oh, no!
But still at fifty man does not desire
Il rival, hGwever he NAV tlespp1ise him.
"She did not ask him to stay, and she
did ask me-" said Mr.. Bunting, and de-
parted after most delightful evening,
during which the maiden aunt (who was
at best as deaf as posD snored sweetly
in her chair.
But, alas! on the very next evening
his sky was overcast.
Prof. La Fointaine took the widow to
the opera.
He saw them enter the doors Of the
opera house, and, having followed and
secured a seat in retired portion of the
house, also noticed that the Professor
kept his eyes fixed upon the lady's face
in the most impressive manner during
tie whole of the performance, and that
she now and then even returned his
glances.
at can't 90 on" said Mr.. Bunting to
himself. 81 can't allow it. She'd re-
gret it all her life. Imust demonstrate
with her. No woman likes u coward
Faint heart never won fair lady. She'll
admire nc for speaking out"
And that very evening Mr. Bunting
, trotted up to the widows house full OF ;
+ deadly purpose, and with a set speech
learned off by heart.
, The speech he forgot as he crossed the
: threshold.
; The purpose abided with him.
There were the usual remarks abou
the weather.
D The usual cht-chat followed, but thu
widow saw that Mr.. Bunting was not a
:, his ease.
j At last, with a sort of plunge that
I timid bather makes into chilly water
d he dashed into the subject nearest hi
u heart.
e "He's a rascal, ma'am, I give you M
e word"
e "Oh, dear? Who isT' cried the widow
e THAT frog g-eater," replied the bach'
lor. Upon my soul, | speak for you
own good. | lam interested in your we
fare. Don't allow his visits. You don
y know thing about him."
=" "Do you allude to Monsieur La Fol
y taine? asked Mrs. Hunter, solemnly.
r 'I alludo to that fellow" said Bach
u u lor Bunting "Why, his very countenan'
Z proves him to be a rascal I'D enjc
=, kicking him out 80 much, I'd"
as a. "Sir," said the widow, "if you haven
~ ~ been drinking, l really think you mu
/. be mad"
n, "Ma'am," cried Mr.. Bunting.
~ "Perhaps, however, | should tai
~ no such notice of such conduct" sa
~ ~ Mrs. Hunter. perhaps l should tire
n3f it with silent contempt"
VI VI "Oh, good gracious?" cried Bachel
" Bunting; "don't treat me with silent CO
'p- tempt. It's my affection for you til
Won W urges me on. adore you'll Have Il
40 Accept me- Marry me and be mine
Nd cherish and protect from all audacio
aar m Frenchmcn."
'ei The widows heart was melted.
She burst into tears.
"Oh. what shall say" she sobbed.
thought you merely a friend. I-am-
md II am engaged to the professor;
ert proposed yesterday evening"
.les Bachelor Bunting had dropped do
ere upon his knees while making the offer
ON Now he got up with a sort of groar
rha not entirely caused by disappointed 10
md for he had the rheumatism.
ars m "Farewcll, false one" he said, feel
Itcr for his hat without looking for it.
lid leave you forever" y
ted lie strobe away, banging the door at
ted him.
ayt- The widow cried and then laugh
: in and then cried again. n
was In fact she had a genuine fit of W
IN the maiden aunt called "stericks," /
rhe the chambermaid "highstrikes," bef
, in she was brought to, and prevailed OF
her take a glass of wine and something
ned and comforting in the edible line.
i of After which the thought OF her fla
consoled her.
Days passed on.
Of Bachelor Bunting did not drown h
!, of self or sup cold poison.
the Her wedding day was fixed.
his The housemaid informed her fri
tew- that Mrs Hunter "kept steady C
n pany."
he The maiden aunt, who had no inc
t of of her own, curried favor by b.
almost always in state OF appa
coma.
W. The widow was in the seventh he's
KUN XVI, of bliss, and all went merry as MARI
''Ale' bell until one evening, as the betro
pair sat before the fire in the poll
rider CRATE, there came a ring at the bel,
=. the girl who answered it soon looked
the parlor to announce the fact til
nn ,reJ little girl in the hall would co4,e IN.