Page:Landon in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book 1834.pdf/65

Rh

Rh the lady, and, as the most effectual method of consoling her, began to abuse the departed—a common custom all the world over. More effectual comfort was, however, at hand: a young lieutenant in the navy—a handsome young man he was, too — stepped forward, and addressed her thus—"Madam, I never could bear to see a lady disappointed, that is, if she was pretty. Mr.———(hang the fellow, I forget his name, and you will forget it, too,) he is off, but I am ready to take his place; and I have been in love with you a long time, though I did not know it till this morning." The lady looked at the clergymen, then at the lieutenant, and then on the folds of her white veil. "Well," said she, "it is a pity to be drest for nothing—I shall be very happy." And married they were. True, that at last I got home to breakfast; but, that over, my feelings needed the relief of expression. I must protest against the outrageous recklessness of the young sailor—what can he expect from the future?

"Needs must the chariot wheels of destiny Crush one who flings him in its onward path Patient and prostrate."