AN EXCITING SCENE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 796, 20 July 1877, Page 3

AN EXCITING SCENE.

It is just possible—but we would not Vouch for the truth of it—that a wellhnOwn M.H.R.. when placed between two fires yesterday afternoon, could have sung with much feeling the first linos of that well known song, “ How happy could I bo with cither,” &c. Certain it is that one charmer assorted her rights in a manner that must have astonished the political worthy, even as she compelled him to submit to her dictation. ’Twas a touching scene. There was the steamer Wakatipu straining at her moorings for a start to

Wellington, well freighted, and with many passengers, amongst whom was some of tho representative wisdom of this district, including, and not the least in his own esteem, ho of tho land where streams run strongly and tho snow lies deep in winter time. Ho had arranged everything nicely —at least ho thought ho had—and, resting securely on tho sweet assurance, was, after safely stowing his baggage and luggage below, engaged in bland converse with follow-passengers. But what was it made him start so and gaze doubtingly on shore ? Could it bo the presence of a lithe femalo, with “ dark hair wildly flowing," making her way with no uncertain footsteps towards tho steamer ? It would seem so, for as she stopped on hoard, tho representative man was attracted to her as if by fascination, and then ensued a close confab, characterised on the one side by imperious and on tho other by deprecatory gestures. Tho lady was hoard to remark something about somebody “ being on hoard, and yon shan’t go or I’il raise a scene,” and then with lamblike docility the M,. H-It. was seen to descend to the lower regions, anon reappeared with his luggage, and with an attempt—alas, how poor—at a bland smile, marched on shore closely followed by the lithe one. But not for long for before they were half way up the pier she stopped, and pulling a photograph from her pocket, addressed herself to some ladies, aud much to their astonishment retailed how she had been “cruelly undone," and exhibited tho photograph as that of a woman whom the M. Hi 11. “hadn’t ought to have known.” And into other cars did she pour out her griefs, at least to all who would listen to her, whilst the object of her hate disappeared in a wellknown hostelry aud solaced himself there as best he might. As for the Wakatipu, she sailed without Mm, and yet, perhaps as he could have averred, took away the better part of himself. Perhaps he was not chaffed by a few cruel acquaintances, for it really is astonishing how soon the affair got wind.