Year: 1861

The Way of the WldOws-A Beroaved


Woman Open to Inducements.


A relative of Daniel Webster, whom we
will call Colonel Webster, had the misfor-
tune to lose his wife, to whom he was ten
derly attached. He was a man character
lied by much of the GOODNESS, wit and
shrewdnes of the family. Time gradually
soothed down his grief and finally he felt
sufficiently lonely to desire the companion
ship of a wife once more. In the course of a
conversation on the subject, Daniel sug-
gested that the widow of near friend of the
Colonel would suit his case very satisfactO-
rily, and advised him to make move in
that direction.


The Colonel pondered over the matter, and
came to fsvorite conclusion. He was not
acquainted with the lady, and, indeed, had
never seen her; but the choice of so excel
lent man as his friend. he felt persuaded,
must be a worthy one for him. Accord
iDgly, urged by Daniel, he made an early
start to visit the widow and propose his
suit. Arriving at her house, which was in
New Hampshire village, he apologized for
any seeming freedom on his part in calling,
and pleaded, in excuse, his intimacy with
her deceased lord.


He was graciously received, and invited
to remain. A view of the dame and an even
ing spent with her did not prove as propi-
tious as his hopes had led him to expect.
The good lady was full of her admiration
and tender memories of her deceased hus-
band, in whom her heart seemed still wrap
ped up. In her praises of the deed the
Colonel cordially Joined, but he felt an awk-
ward disinclination to take to his bosom a
wife whose love was 30 very ardently and
warmly devoted to the memory of a prede-
cessor.
However, the Colonel was a matter-of
fact man; and, having come upon special
business he concluded to accomplish it, and
take the hazards. Accordingly, about the
time for retiring he opened his subject, and
stated the purpose of his visit, and his be-
lief that they could increase their mutual
happiness by filling for each other the places
of their deceased partners. -
Hereupon the widow burst into violent
weeping-was surprised he dared do such a
thing-could never love another man
would never wed again, never-would con-
secrate all her life to the dear, dear loved
one, so cruelty torn from her arms, and now
| in the cold, cold grave-and so on, in true
| widow fashion.


The poor Colonel, grieved and sstounded
| though not altogether dissatisfied, apollo
gized earnestly. He was lonely and felt the
| need of q companion-had cherished the
friendship of her husband, who was his in.
| innate friend-had thought that their union
|
and made quite lengthy speech, in self
vindication and to soothe the disturbed feel
iDgs of the unhappy lady-and finally sht
dried her tears and ceased her lamentations
and the scene was closed by the Colonel
retiring to bed.


In the morning the widow had recovered
her peace of mind, and was all attention
graciousness, and smiles to the good Colonel
He bore himself with the amenity of


courtly gentleman, and as soon as breakfSs
was ended, prepared to start The widow
seemed in a mighty furry, and urged sta,
TO dinner, but the Colonel felt obliged to b
on the move homeward. At last he was q
the door, and offered his hand for a partin
pressure. The widow clasped it, held it 70
moment trembled, blushed, turned asid
her head, and gently murmured


"Well, Colonel, have been thinking Of
of-of what you said, and I'LL think
might be induced"


The Colonel gave her half quizzica, hal
serious look, and, replying with, 5000
morning madam" entered his chaise, and le
for home, an instructed man.--Boston Satai


day EUening E1pTess.