Montgomery County sentinel., 1879-03-21

MA anl cried Mr. bunting.
perhaps, however, l should take no
notice. of such conduct" said Mrs.
Hunter. Perhaps should treat it
with silent contempt"
tOh, good gracious p cried bachelor
Bunting; "dont treat me with silent
contempt. It's my affection for you that
urges me on. | adore you! Havo mo
Accept me. Marry me and be mine to
cherish and protect from all audacious
Frenchmen."
The widows heart was melted
She burst into tears.
"Oh, what shall | say?" she sobbed.
Il thought you merely friend. L
am-I-f-I am engaged to the Profess
sor; he proposed yesterday evening"
Bachelor Bunting had dropped down
upon his knees while making the offer.
Now he got up with sort of groan--
not entirely caused by disappointed love,
for he had the rheumatism
Farewell, false one," he said, feeling
for his hat without looking for it. II
leave you forever"
He strobe away, banging tho door
after him.
The widow cried and then laughed,
and then cried again.
In fact, she had genuine fit of what
the maiden aunt called 'stericks," and
the cbambormaid "highstrikes," before
she was brought to, and prevailed to
take glass of wine and something hot
and comforting in the edible line.
After which the thought of her fiance
consoled her.
Days passed on.
Bachelor Bunting did not drown him
self or sup cold poison.
The wedding day was fixed.
The housemaid Informed her friend
that Mrs. Hunter "kept steady COM
pany."
The maiden aunt who had no income
of her own, curried favor by being al
most always in state of apparent coma.
The widow was 10 the seventh heaven of
bliss, and all went merry as a marriage
bell until one evening as the betrothed
pair sat before the FIRE in the polished
CRATE, there came ring at the bell, and
girl who answered it soon looked into the
parlor to announce the fact that little
girl in the hall would come in.
"Oh, let her in, said Mrs. Hunter.
"Pm so fond Of the dear children in the
neighborhood. It's one of them, pre-
sumo 2"
But while she was speaking, a small,
but very old looking little girl in short
frock, with tamborine in her hand,
bounced into the room. and throwing
herself into the Professors arms. with a
strong French accent screamed:
Darling papa, have then found you
How glad mamma will be We thought
you dead"
81 am not your papa" said the French
man, turning pale. "Are you crazy,
my dear little girl"
mo, no,no; you are my para !" cried
the child. "Do not deny your Estellc.
Does she not know you? All, my heart,
it tells me true. Dear mamma and |
have almost starved, but she has never
pledged her wedding ring-never. She
plays the organ, the tambourine. We
have suffered, but now papa will return
to US. All, heavenp p
my gracious! the morals of furriners.
He'd have married missus !" cried the
girl at the door.
'She tells one black lie. Never before
have | seen her; belief me, madame !'
screamed the poor Frenchman.
"Ab, Mon Dieu, am | dreaming p
"Oh, Alphonse," cried the widow.
"But there, | will be firm. My best
friends warned me of you. Take your
hat-go. Never enter my presence again.
Go with your unfortunate child-your
poor, half starved little girl. Go home to
your deserted wife. Col"
"Ah madame, zese is filsehood, cried
the unfortunate Frencbman, losing his
temper in bis excitement. Belief"
Out of my house p cried the widow
peggy, open the door. Go. What an
escape | have had p
The Professor departed.
Mrs. Hunter threw herself into her
chair and burst into tears.
After awhile she grew more calm, and
taking letter from drawer, she perused
it.
"Ah me what deceivers those mon
are y she said.as she pensivcly lay back
on the cushions. "Only TO think he could
write letter so full Of love, and prove
such william; but am warned 10 time.
And she tore the letter into fragments.
The maiden aunt, who had not heard
a word, demanded an explanation.
Biddy howled il through her ear trum-
pet in these words:
"The scoundrel has ever so many wives
and families already, playin' tambourines
for their brcad-thc rascal !"
And in the midst the door ball rang,
and Mr.. Bunting walked in, with po-
lite bow.
Biddy and the aunt slipped out Of the
room.
Mr.. Bunting approached the widow.
II called to apologize, be said II |
was hasty the other day. Had | known
the gentleman was dear 10 you, should
have restrained my speech. wish you
happiness; /"
Don't, please" cried the widow
"IIe's worse than you painted bin. I've
found bin out | hate him As for me,
| can never be happy again"
"Not with your own buntingT' cried
the bachelor, sitting down beside her.
"Im afraid not" said the widow.
"Are you sure7" asked Mr. Bunting.
.sNo not ouite - said Me- u,o...