Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1883-01-19
WILL BEN BUTLER MARRY.

If there be one thing more than
another with which the good people
of Massachusetts, are furcibly i'm
pressed just now, it is: What Gen.
Benjamin +. Butler sets his heart on
he valiantly fights for, and what he
fights for he usually wins, sooner or
later Like his well-known widow
in search of husband, she knows
what he wants, and amt ashamed to
ask for it." Therefore, it having
been whispered that his latest victory
was achieved at cupid's altar, a cor
respondent of the Chicago Tribune
started out in quest of information.
Fortunately he came across the
medical director" of Mrs. Langtry
on Union Square, Of whom, as he
walked swiftly along, the following
question was asked:
Have you heard the report that
Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, of Massa-
chusetts, is engaged to marry Miss
Kate Pattison, member of the
Jersey Lily's troupe?"
NJ. Dyes, I have.
C.-Is it true?
NJ Dwell. yes.
C.-Won't you favor me with the
particulars?
At this stage of our interview the
medical director" of Mrs. Langtry
darted into Brentano's bookstore,
and, beckoning your correspondent
to follow him. purchased copy of
foreign publication on phrenology.
Then, taking me aside, said: II don't
think l ought to say anything about
this love affair of the Generals at
all; but, if you'll promise not to give
it away, I don't mind telling you
how it came about. Having been as
sured he could place implicit conf
dence in your correspondent, and
that under no circumstances would
the story be impaired to any one, M.
D. delivered hims If thus:
"Well, you see, Gen. Buffers late
visit to the city was ostensibly on
legal business, but in fact he came
here purposely to see Mrs. Langtry
as Rosalind in "As You Like It"
Accordingly he went to Wallack's
theater in company with a couple of
friends, and;to all appearances, was
delighted with the evenings enter
tainment. After the performance
the General and his friends got up
and started for their hotel, walking
leisurely down Broadway. On their
way Gen. Butler was heard to sigh
several times.
"What's the matter, General; are
you ill.," asked his now frightened
friends.
Send for physician, quickw
yelled the other.
BE quiet" said Gen. Butler; 'I'll
explain" as he heaved heavysigh
and wiped away a huge, monster
tear drop. Miss Pattison, who takes
the character of Celia at Wallack's.
is the perfect image of an ideal I
have formed"
1.-The following day." continued NJ.
D., 1.-The General expressed desire
to be introduced to Miss Pattison. A
mutual friend was found who readily
consented to present him, provided
the lady had no objections. At
hearing this, the Generals face lit
orally beamed with smiles, and for
once was absent the cross in his eyes.
But he did look awfully spoony.
Tapping our mutual friend on the
shoulder, the General said: "I, ,et ns
start"
"They wended their way to Miss
Pattison's hotel, and while that lady's
consent was being sought the Gener-
al remained in the reading room.
Presently he was invited up to the
parlor. As he entered he saw Mrs.
Langtry and Mrs. Labouchere loung-
ing on settee listening to the execu-
ton of that most difficult piece of
music entitled, .Ain't You Glad You
Come by no less a person than Miss
Pattison herself. The formalities
over, after brief conversation Gen.
Butler said, addressing himself to
Miss Pattison: i hope our presence
will not interfere with your musical
exercises?' Not at all' quickly an
swered Miss Pattisoa; Il was trying
to while away the time .Ah!indeed,'
said the General; then may we have
the pleasure of listening to a song?
What shall it beY she asked, looking
blandly. Your favorite, please
promptly answered the General.
Without q moments hesitation she
sang in rich, mellow voice:
'Ishould like to change my name
And settle down for life;
Here's a nice chance for some young man
Who's seeking for q wife.
Perhaps you think am jesting,
And mean not what say;
But if you think 20 try me-
You'll find I'll not say nay"
IF ever a thing tickled Gen. But
ler," continued NJ. D., that verse did.
Why, he couldn't keep still, but kept
nugging our mutual friend in the
ribs. The song having been finished,
the General stepped up to Miss Patti
son, fumbled around his pockets until
he found his card, and, presenting it
to her, said: Will that name prove
an agreeable changer She paused
moment, putting the tip of the index
finger of her right hand betwixt her
ruby lips, then shyly asked: Are you
jesting, GeneralT Being assured he
was not, she whispered: Neither am
l. The General took her gently into
his embrace, impressed a kiss on her
forehead, while Mrs. Langtry, Mrs.
LabOuchere and our mutual friend
looked on in amazement. MY
word for it, Miss Kate Pattison will
do the honors at the Governors man
sion this winter"
''And do you mean to say that Gen.
Butler. Governor of the aristocratic
Massachusetts, would for a moment
think OF marrying an actress" asked
your correspondent.
Certainly" said NJ. D., as he
pounded his fist on the counter.
by the way, who filed the role Of
mutual friend?'" queried your cor
respondent.