The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1879-04-03
Winning the Widow.

,saildless, fair and thirtyfve-and she
Made the remark above recorded to Mr..
Bunting, bachelor, who had come to pay
an afternoon call, apropos OF the de-
parture of Prof. La Fontaiue, who had,
according to the etiquette, taken his
departure on the arrival of Mr.. Bunting.
sDon't like to contradict lady" said
Mr.. Bunting, "but can't say l agree
with you; and these foreigners are gen.
orally imposters, too
Mrs Hunter shock her head coquet-
ishly.
She was rather coquetish and rather
gushing for her age.
ooh, you gentlemen! you gentlemen"
she said, 81 can't see that you ever do
Justice to each other"
And then she rang the bell and Or
dered the servants to bring tea, and
pressed bachelor Bunting to stay and
partake of it.
There was a 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..
B@hting forgot his jealousy and was once
more happy.
He was, truth to tell, very much i'll
love with the widow, who was just his
junior by fifteen years.
He liked the idea of her living on the
interest Of her money, too.
She was a 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 Prof. La Fontaine,
with black eyes as big as saucers, and
long sidewhiskers-ba also as any
ravens wing, and The advantage of
being the widows junior.
This opportunity to make fool OF
herself is so irrepressible to every
widow.
He troubled his dreams good deal
not that he thought him handsome.
Oh, no!
But still at fifty man does not de-
sire a rival, however he may despise
him.
"She did not ask him to stay, and she
did me-" said Mr. Bunting, and departed
after most delightful evening. during
Which the maiden aunt (who was, at
best, as deaf as post) snored sweetly
in her chair.
But, alas on the very next evening
his sky was overcast
Prof. La Fontane took the widow to
the opera.
He saw them enter the doors Of the
opera house, and having followed and
secured a seat in a 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
the whole Of the performance, ard that
glances
SIT can't go on" said Mr.. Bunting to
himself. 81 can't allow it. Shed re-
gret it all her life. l must demonstrate
with her. No woman likes coward.
Faint heart never won fair lady. She'll
admire me for speaking out"
And that very evening Mr.. Bunting
trotted up to the widows house, full Of a
deadly purpose, and with 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 about the
weather.
The usual chitchat followed, but the
widow saw that Mr.. Bunting was not at
.Shis ease.
At last with the sort of plunge that a
timid bather makes into chilly water,
he dashed into the subject nearest his
heart
''He's rascal, ma am, 1 give you my
word"
'sOh, dear Who is = cried the widow.
THAT frogeater," replied the bachelor
"Upon my soul, l speak for your own
good. l am interested in your welfare
Don't allow his visits. You don't know
thing about him."
"Do you allude to Monsieur La Fon-
tame :" asked Mrs. Hunter solemnly.
III allude to that fellow" said bache-
lor Bunting. "Why, his very counte-
nance proves him rascal. I'D en-