The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1894-08-27
HIS ONLY DUEL.

HIS ONLY DUEL.
My story goes back to the early thirties.
was a young follow of 81 and q sub In
one Of the crack regiments, the ---th.
was as vain and conceited at that time
and as convinced Of my Importance In the
cosmic scheme as any youth present. My
father, General Molever was q personal
friend of his majesty, and was free of the
best society. / had ample means, and
lived the life of butterfly, and exhibited
about, as much brains to an admiring
world. There was a multitude Of ladies
Of all degrees who were pining and sigh
ing for my smile, SO 1t pleased me to be-
lieve, and my days were spent in the emp
tiest Irritation. 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 the 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 good looking fellow in
those days fancied had impressed her
as much as she had me. After knowing
her for few weeks l proposed, and to my
delight was accepted.
My affection for her was genuine, and
the engagement sobered me somewhat.
left of some Of my foolish habits and
things that could be called by worse
name, and devoted myself solely to her.
Fortunately the parents on both sides
were in 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 followed-brought about by
my own foolishness and conceit, as you
will hear.
The doctor Of tho regiment I adorned
was an Irishman, u noted wit and the life
, and soul of the mess. He could tell the
most ridiculous story without a smilo or
so much as 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 como of second best. As soon as my
engagement became known, 1 knew the
doctor would amuse tho mess at my ex,
pense. And SO it proved, and proved me
, 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. Ikncw Geraldine when sho was O
girl of IA and used to climb trees. A
sweet mouth she hadl I've kissed it many
time"
A laugh went round, and / blushet
nightly.
Il beg your pardon, DIR. Mullcns,"
said arrogantly, but you will please moi
discuss the young lady at this table
You must find another subject for you
jokes"
''Jokes' 1t is not joke, my boy. 1t il
really pretty mouth, as you ought Il
know. l haven't seen her for two years
but 1t was as sweet rs ever then"
And again laugh went round.
There was nothing In this for san,
, man to object to, but was idiot enough
, to consider that my tcndcrcst feeling
: were being made subject of mockcry anI
the woman l loved insultcd. Could l be
man, / asked myself, and allow it, Ant
J my brain, heated with wine, answered
MOP Il demand, DIR. Mullcns, sale
: that you withdraw your offensive re
marks and at once.
. Don't DO fool, - said Major Gregory
from tho head of the table. ''Surely yol
{ arc not idiot enough to resent littl
> harmless pleasantly of that kindr'
This is my affair, l believe" | an
swered him, with what l meant to be
whitening look of contempt II deman,
an apology for your offensive remarks"
, added, turning to the doctor.
! tpbntta ritht insist inEiStt ~ said th
,, younger officers to me. They scented fur
+ from my ridiculous behavior, though q
: the time took it for sympathy.
9 Every we'll " said the doctor, with
mock tilnid air, ''if you will sit down
will withdraw Mr.. Molever."
sat down, and the doctor rose. Gen
.tlemen and Mr.. Molever, am sorry to sa.
that Lady Geraldine Bond has not n pref
'ty mouth"
There was n burst of laughter, and los
all control of myself / poured out a glas
of wine and flung it in his face. There,
= | said, ''if you are not coward you ca
= take the proper means Of satisfaction 70
{ that.
! NIullcns was brave man, ms we a
~ knew, and had shown his courage man
times. All he did was quietly to take hi
handkerchief from his packet and wiz
his face. The Older men were very indiE
fnant with me. You have behaved di.
gracefully" said Major Gregory who Wa
y the chief officer present,
VI With show Of dignity, which muf
n have looked nightly ridiculous, l left Il
d room, pausing to remark AT The door;
II Il shall expect you tu name your fricnS
d DR.. Mullens. Mr.. tiorcly there will az
.. for me"
u Gorely was my chim, and one Of tho,
- who had urged me on
's l went to my rooms with the air
Is Athanasius contra mundum and waitt
0. there for couple of hours. Then / scl
C. a note to Mullcns, which ran:
10 "If YOU do not choose TO seek the sati
Is faction Of a gentleman, give you noti
=, that l shall publicly horsewhipyou on Il
70 fifa opportunity-that is, If you do II
8. choose TO tender n full apology"
ltI About midnight Gorely came to II
iel room, with grave face. I have arrang
It 1t all, " he said. Gregory will be his Sc
!. ond But IT is bitter and black business
IN and wish were out of it.
ID What is the mattcrs'
le 81 suppose you understand he Is the II
suited party and has choice of weap, ns9'
r. Yes, what of thatY'
We'll he is bloodthirsty, and this Is
be a duel to the death. protested again
:. the dastardly business, but there is I
N choice. You must go on OF apologize, and
n warn you he will take nothing less than a
ar abject apology" And Gorply hid his in,
> In his hands, and. AIS thought, groaned
h you have no need to fear, said cain
I" ", though my hair felt as If 1t were risin
!, i shall not apologize" .".
What weapons do you think the do
10 TOR has chosen?'
d PistolSSn