Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1894-08-23
THErONLY DUEL.

one Of the crack regiments, the ---th.
i was aE vain and conceited at that time
and as convinced OF my Importance I'm tho
cosmic scheme as any youth present. My
father, General Moleyer, was personal
friend OF his majesty, and was free OF the
best society. l had ample means, and
lived the life of butterfly, and exhibited
about as much brains 10 an .admiring
world. There was multitude of ladies
of all degrees who were pining and sigh
ing for my smile, so it pleased me TO be-
liove, and my days were spent I'm the emp
tiest filtration. But at last l met Lady
Geraldine Bond at one Of the court balls,
and for the first time learned what love
meant was much struck with her-she
was tho reigning beauty of that season.
got introduced To her and danced with
her several times that evening There
after was always to be found where she
was. The intimacy ripened day by day,
and as / was a good looking fellow In
those days fanoied had impressed her
as much as she had me. After knowing
her for few weeks 1 proposed, and to my
delight was accepted.
My affection for her was genuine, and
the engagement sobered me somewhat.
left off some of NIX foolish habits and
things that could be called by worse
name, and devoted myself solely to her.
Fortunately the parents on both sides
were I'm favor of the union, and was uni
versally congratulated. AT the next levee
his majesty spoke kindly to me about 1t.
Perhaps things were running too smooth
| ly for happy issue into matrimony, and
disaster soon Acknowledgements about by
my own foolisAness and conceit, as you
| will hear
~ ha aHn
was an Irishman, a noted wit and the life
| and soul of the mess. He could tell the
most ridiculous story without a smile or
so much as n twitching muscle. He did
not spare the follies and foibles Of the
youngsters Of the mess, and we dreaded an
encounter with him, for we were certain
to come off second best. As soon as my
engagement became known, knew the
doctor would amuse the mess at my ex-
pense. And so 1t proved, and proved Inc
a fool.
Dear, dear" he said, as II to himself,
engaged SO youngl / know the Lady
Geraldine Not the one with a squint and
freckles. No, no, OF course. That is Ger
trude. knew Geraldine when she was a
girl of ii and used to climb trees. A
sweet mouth she hadi I've kissed it many
| a time"
A laugh went round, and 1 blushed
nightly.
Il beg your pardon, DIR. Mullens,"
said arrogantly, but you will please not
discuss the young lady at this table.
You must find another subject for your
| jokes"
"Jokes' 1t is not joke, my boy. 1t is
really pretty mouth, as you ought 10
know. / haven't seen her for two years,
10
And again laugh went round.
There was nothing In this for a sane
man to object to, but 1 was idiot enough
to consider that my tenderest feelings
were being made a subject Of mockery and
| the woman loved insulted. Could be a
man, asked myself, and allow itS And
my brain, heated with wine, answered,
MOP Il demand, DIR. Mullens, said
''that you withdraw your offensive re-
marks and at once"
Don't be fool" said Major Gregory,
| from tho head of the table Surely you
are not idiot enough to resent "A little
| harmless pleasantly of that kindf"
This is my affair, ] believe" l an
swered him, with what 1 meant TO be a
withering look of contempt Il demand
an apology for your offensive remarks,
added, turning TO the doctor.
That's right, insist, insistl' said the
younger officers to mo. They scented fun
from my ridiculous behavior, though at
the time l took it for sympathy.
"Very WE'LL" said the doctor, with a
mock timid air, IF You will sit down
will withdraw, Mr.. Molever."
l sat down, and the doctor rose. Gen
tlemen and Mr.. Molever, / am sorry TO say
that Lady Geraldine Bond has not pret
ty mouth"
There was a burst Of laughter, and lost
all control Of myself. poured out glass
of wine and flung it In his face. "Thorc,
said, If you are not n coward you can
take the proper means Of satisfaction for
that"
Mullens was bravo man, as we oil
knew, and had shown his courage many
times. All he did was quietly to take his
handkerchief from his pocket and wipe
his face. The older men were very indig
nant with me. You have behaved dis
gracefully" said Major Gregory, who was
the chief officer present.
With show of dignity, which must
have looked nightly ridiculous, left the
room, pausing to remark at the door
Il shall expect you to name your friend,
DR.. Mullens. Mr.. Gorely there will act
for me"
Gorely was my chum, and one of those
who had urged me ON.
went to my rooms with the air Of
Athanasius contra mundum and waited
there for couple Of hours. Then sent
note to Mullens, which ran:
If you do not choose to seek the salts
faction of gentleman, give you notice
that shall publicly horsewhipyou on the
first opportunity-that is, If you do not
choose 30 tender full apology"
About midnight Gorely came TO my
room, with a grave face Il have arranged
10 all. ;" he said. "Gmgory will be his Sec
ond But IL is bitter and black business,
and wish l were out of it. ;"
"Wbat IL the matterf"
II suppose you understand he is the in
suited party and has choice OF weaponsP
yes, what Of thatY"
We'll he Is bloodthirsty, and this Is to
~ "A duel TO the death. protested against
the dastardly business, but there Is no
choice You must go on or apologize, and
warn you he viii take nothing less than an
abjcct apology" And Gorely hid his face
In his hands, and, as thought, groaned
"You have no need to fear, ;" l said calm
", though my hair felt as II It were rising
II shall not apologize"
"What weapons do you think tho doc
tor has chosenf"
"Pistolsg'
"No pillsl"