F. Colburn (Francis Colburn) Adams
Chapter 64
Madame Flamingo's house, as you may judge, is much out in its
dignity, and in a general uproar. There was something
touching-something that the graver head might ponder over, in the
words of this unfortunate girl--"I have struggled!" A heedless and
gold-getting world seldom enters upon the mystery of its meaning.
But it hath a meaning deep and powerful in its appeal to society-
one that might serve the good of a commonwealth did society stoop
and take it by the hand.
So sudden was the motion with which this girl snatched the mask from
the face of the Judge, (he stood as if appalled,) that, ere he had
gained his self-possession, she drew from her girdle a pearl-hilted
stiletto, and in attempting to ward off the dreadful lunge, he
struck it from her hand, and into her own bosom. The weapon fell
gory to the floor-the blood trickled down her bodice-a cry of
"murder" resounded through the hall! The administrator of justice
rushed out of the door as the unhappy girl swooned in the arms of
her partner. A scene so confused and wild that it bewilders the
brain, now ensued. Madame Flamingo calls loudly for Mr. Soloman; and
as the reputation of her house is uppermost in her thoughts, she
atones for its imperiled condition by fainting in the arms of a
grave old gentleman, who was beating a hasty retreat, and whose
respectability she may compromise through this uncalled-for act.
A young man of slender form, and pale, sandy features, makes his way
through the crowd, clasps Anna affectionately in his arms, imprints
a kiss on her pallid brow, and bears her out of the hall.
By the aid of hartshorn and a few dashes of cold water, the old
hostess is pleased to come to, as we say, and set about putting her
house in order. Mr. Soloman, to the great joy of those who did not
deem it prudent to make their escape, steps in to negotiate for the
peace of the house and the restoration of order. "It is all the
result of a mistake," he says laughingly, and good-naturedly,
patting every one he meets on the shoulder. "A little bit of
jealousy on the part of the girl. It all had its origin in an error