The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1894-08-30
HIS ONLY DUEL.

AAAO OAN - L. IL ~ 1A4Ae
My story goes back to the early thirties.
I was young fellow of 81 and a sub in
one of the crack regiments, the --th.
I 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 Moleyer, was personal
friend Of his majesty, and Twas free of the
best society. I had ample means, and
lived the life of q butterfly, and exhibited
about as much brains to an adm iring
world. There was a multitude of ladies
of all degrees who were pining and sigh
ing for my smile, SO it pleased me to be-
lieve, and my days were spent in the emp
test Irritation But at last met Lady
Geraldine Bond at one of the court balls,
and for the first time I 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 I was always to be found where she
was The intimacy ripenea day by day,
and as l was good looking fellow in
those days fancied had impressed her
as much as she had me. After knowing
her for few weeks proposed, and to my
delight was accepted.
My affection for her was genuine, and
the engagement sobered me somewhat. 1
left off 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 leyee
his majesty spoke kindly to me about it,
Perhaps things were running too smooth
ly for happy issue into matrimony, and
disaster soon Acknowledgements about by
my own foolishness and conceit, as you
will hear.
The doctor of the regiment I adorned
was an Irishman, noted wit and the life
and soul Of the mess He could tell the
most ridiculous story without a smile 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 come off second best. AS soon as my
engagement became known, knew the
doctor would a1nuse the mess at my ex-
pense. And SO it proved, and proved me
a fool
''Dear, dear, he said, as if to himself,
engaged so young! I know the Lady
Geraldine. Not the one with squint and
freckles. No, no, of course. That is Ger
trude. I knew Geraldine when she was
girl of IA and used to climb trees A
sweet mouth she had! I've kissed it many
time"
A laugh went round, and I blushed
nightly.
IT 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 a joke, my boy. 1t is
really pretty mouth, as you ought to
know. haven't seen her for two years,
but it was as sweet as ever then.
And again laugh went round.
There was nothing IN this for a sane
man to object to- but I was idiot enough
to consider that my tenderest feelings
were being made subject of mockery and
the woman loved insnlted. Gould I be a
man, asked myself, and allow it? And
| my brain, heated with wine, answered,
''No!' ''I demand, DIR. Mullens, said
that you Withdraw your offensive re-
marks and at once
Don't be fool, said Major Gregory,
from the head of the table. 'Surely you
are uOU 1ulOU CHOu5u W IcSSub d 1lObIo
harmless pleasantly of that kind?"
"This is my affair, 1 believe I an
swered him, with what I meant to be a
whitening look of contempt. II demand
an apology fer your offensive remarks" I
added, turning to the doctor.
THAT'S right, insist, insistP' said the
| younger officers to me. They scented fun
from my ridiculous behavior, though at
H., r 10, ,ofb
VERY well" said the doctor, with a
mock tinid air, eff you will sit down
will withdraw, Mr.. Moleyer."
I sat down, and the Doctor rose. "Gen-
tlemen and Mr.. Molever, I am sorry to say
that Lady Geraldine Bond has not pref
| ty mouth
There was burst of laughter, and lost
all control of myself. I poured out glass
| of wine and flung it in his face. 'There, I"
| I said, eff you are not a coward you can
| take the proper means of satisfaction for
| that
| Mullens was a brave man, as we all
knew, and had shown his courage many
times. Ali 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:
II 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 I sent
a note to Muliens which ram
I If you do not choose to seek the salts
faction of gentleman, give you notice
that shall publicly horsewhip you on the
first opportunity-tha is, if you do not
choose to tender full apology
About midnight Gorely came to my
room, with g. grave face. 4" have arranged
it ALL be said. Gregory wtl be his Sec
end But it is bitter and black business,