KING NOANETT

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896 edition. Excerpt: ... the Bostonians. Some have been pleased to say, that were I in a state to wed, they do believe that she would not be displeased with my addresses! As this is without any ground but groundless conjectures, so I hope I shall never be in a capacity to make a tryal of it." And Miles did wink portentously. "Well, what of Mistress Green?" I pressed him on. "She hath the bashfulness of the damsell, the fidelity of the wife, and the gentleness of the widow. As the poet sings: "'Is she a Maid?--What Man can answer that, Or widow?--No.--What then?--I know not what. Saint-like she looks; a Syren if she sing: Her Eyes are stars; Her Mind is everything.' Truth, 'tis her mind is the habitation of the Graces, the residence of the Muses, and the general rendezvous of all the Vertues. And as to the question, What is she? She is party per pale, as the lawyers speak; that is, half a wife and half a widow." "Miles," said I, "I only wonder that you leave the town." "Moore," said Miles, with a twinkle, "ye'll not wonder when ye hear the law. D'ye know this Colony's the first o' Christian countries (unless ye call the Scots one) to provide for the relief of marital misery by divorce? And there is one Mistress Huitt--do ye remember her?" I nodded. "--That sacrilegious General Court o' theirs hath but just declared that 'having not heard from her late husband, Thomas Huitt, for eight years and better, she is at liberty to marry again, as God shall grant her opportunity.'" "Miles," I answered gravely, "let us e'en go to Magunco." Then I asked him what he had heard or found of Mistress Clerke. Now would any one not believe, from this last talk, to know the man? But see. He...