Year: 1861

The fraternity of widows has been largely
drafted upon for material to point morals and
adorn tales and stories The story am about
10 relate happened-or perhaps did not hap
pen-and was standard joke with a famous
wag so many years ago that it can do no harm
now TO relate 1t In print, as he often did in the
social circle, somewhat in this wise:


A relative of Daniel Webster, whom we will
call Col. Webster, had the misfortune to lose
hls wife, to whom he was tenderly attached
de was characterized by much of the coolness,
wit and shrewdness of the family Time grad
Hally soothed his grief, and finally he felt suf-
fciently lonely to desire the companionship of
wife once more. In the course of a CONVEX
sation on the subject, Daniel suggested that the
widow Of near friend of the Colonel would
suit his case very satisfactorily, and advised
MIN to make move in that direction


The Colonel pOndered over the matter, and
came TO favorite conclusion. He was not &C
quainted with the lady, and indeed had never
even seen her, but the choice of so excellent a
man as his friend he felt persuaded must be a
worthy one for him. Accordingly, urged by
Daniel, he made an early start to visit the
widow and propose his suit Arrived at her
house, which was in New Hampshire village,
ne apoiogized for any seeming freedom on his
part for calling, and pleaded, in excuse, his in.
umacy with her deceased lord He was gra-
ciously received, and invited to remain. A
view OF the dame and an evening spent with
her did not prove as propitious as his hopes
nad led hlm to expect. The good lady was full
OF her admiration and tender memories of her
deceased husband, in whom her heart seemed
sun wrapped up. In her praises of the dead
the Colonel cordially joined but he felt an
awkward dlainclination 10 take to his bosom a
Wlle whose love was so very ardent and warm
~ devoted to the memory of predecessor.


however, the Colonel was matter-of- fact
man; and having come upon special business,
he concluded to accomplish it. and take tn
hazards. Accordingly, about the time for re-
tring he opened his subject, stated the pur-
pose of his visit, and his belief that they could
increase their mutual happiness by filing for
each other the places of their deceased part
ners.


Hereupon the widow burst into violent weep-
1ng-was surprised he had dared do such a
thlng-could never love another man-would
never wed again, never-would consecrate all
her lite to the dear, dear loved one, 80 cruelty
torn from her arms, and now in the cold, cold
grave-and SO on in-shall 1 say it widow
fashion.


The poor colonel, grieved and astounded.
though not altogether dissatisfied, apelopized
earnestly He was lonely and felt the need of
companlon-had cherished the friendship of
her husband, who was his intimate friend
had thought that their union might be mutu





lengthy speech, in self-vindication and to
soothe the disturbed feelings of the unhappy
lady-and finally she dried her tears and ceased
her lamentations, and the scene was closed by
the colonels retiring TO bed


In the morning the widow had recovered her
peace of mind, and was all attention, gracious
ness, and smiles to the good colonel He bore
himself with the amenity of a courtly gentle
man, and as soon as breakfast was ended, pre-
pared to start. The widow seemed in a mighty
furry, and urged a stay to dinner, but the
colonel felt obliged to be on the move home
ward. At last he was at the door, and offered
his hand for parting pressure, the widow
clasped it, held it for a moment, trembled,
blushed, turned aside her head, and gently
murmured:


Well, colonel, have been thinking of-of
of what you said, and Ill think might
be induced -


Inc colonel gave her half-quizzioal, half
serious look, and, replying with "Good morn
ing, madam" entered his chaise, and left for
home an instructed man.