We know, Senor Commander, how superior are the charms of the
American ladies. It is in no spirit of rivalry with them, but to
show--Mother of God!--that we are not absolutely ugly, that we
intrude upon your Excellency's solitude. (Aside.) I shall need
the old fool, and shall use him.
Col. Starbottle (who has been bowing and saluting with equal
extravagance, during this speech--aside). Ged! she IS beautiful!
(Aloud.) Permit me er--er--Dona Jovita, to correct--Ged, I must
say it, correct erroneous statements. The man who should--er--
utter in my presence remarks disparaging those--er--charms it is my
privilege to behold, I should hold responsible,--Ged! personally
responsible. You--er--remind me of er--incident, trifling perhaps,
but pleasing, Charleston in '52,--a reception at John C. Calhoun's.
A lady, one of the demnedest beautiful women you ever saw, said to
me, "Star!"--she always called me Star,--"you've avoided me, you
have, Star! I fear you are no longer my friend."--"Your friend,
madam," I said. "No, I've avoided you because I am your lover."
Ged, Miss Jovita, a fact--demn me. Sensation. Husband heard
garbled report. He was old friend, but jealous, rash, indiscreet.
Fell at first fire--umph--January 5th. Lady--beautiful woman--
never forgave: went into convent. Sad affair. And all a mistake--
demn me,--all a mistake, through perhaps extravagant gallantry and
compliment.
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