Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-02-21
An UnIuclky Present.

Il is related in the "lngoldsby Legends
that an old gentleman, merchant in Bush
Lane, London, had an only daughter, pos
sessed of the highest attractions, moral
personal, and pecuniary. She was engas-
ed and devotedly attached to young man
in her own rank of life, and IN every re-
spect well worthy of her choice. All pre-
liminaries were arranged and the marriage.
after two or three postponements, was flx-
ed, "positively for the last time o. marry
ing" to take place on Thursday, April 10,
49,.
On the proceeding Monday, the bride.
groom elect (who was TO have received
g10 900 down on his wedding day, and
further sum of 9So,O00 on his father-in-
laws dylng-as there was hope he soon
wouldl-had little jealous squabbllng With
his intended at an evening party, the "tlf
rose in consequence of his paying more at
tention than she thought justi6able to
young lady with sparkling eyes and inlm't,
able ringets. The gentleman retorted, and
spoke slightingly of a certain cousin, whose
waistcoat was the admiration ofthe assem-
blv, and which, it was binted darkly, had
been embroidered by the fair hand OF the
beiress in question. He added, in conciu-
sion, that it would be time enough for him
to be schooled when they were married !;
that-reader, pardon the unavoidable ques-
tion !-she was putting on the breeches
little too soon!'
After supper, both the lovers had be-
come more cool iced champagne and cold
chicken had done their work, and leave
was taken by the bridegroom in posse, in
kindly and affectionate. if not in such en-
thusiastc terms as had previously termina-
ted their meeting.
On the next morning. the swain thought
with some remorse or the angry feeling he
had exhibited, and the cutting sarcasm with
which he had gwen it vent; and as part
of the an,ende honorable, packed up with
great care magnificent satin dress, which
he had previously bespoken for his be-
loved, and which had been sent home to
Thin in the interval, and transmitted 1t to
the lady with note to the following ell
feet
DEAREST: have been unable to
close my eyes all night, IN consequence OF
our foolish misunderstanding last evening.
Pray pardon me and, in token of your
forgiveness, deign to accept the following
dress, and wear it for the sake of your ev-
er affectionate -.
Having written the note, he gave it to
his shopman to deliver with the Psrcel' but
as pair of his neither garments happened
at the time to stand in need ofrepalring, he
availed himself of the opportunity offered
by his servants having to pass the tailor's
shop, in his way to Bush Lane, and deslr-
ed him 10 leave them, packed in another
parcel, on his road.
The reader foresees the inevitable con-
reipmps. Yes the man made the fatal
bluuder-consigned the robe to MIR. Snip,
and left the note, together with the dilapl-
dated habiiments, at the residence OF the
lady. Her indignation was neither TO be
described nor appeased; so exasperated was
she at what she considered a determined
and deliberate afront, that when her admi-
rer called she ordered the door to be closed
in his face, refused TO listen TO any expla-
nation, and resolutey broke off the match
Before many weeks had elapsed, means
were found to make her acquainted with
the history of the Objectionable present; ;
but she nevertheless adhered firmly to her
resolve deeply lamentlng the misadventure,
but determined not to let the burden OF The
ridicue rest upon her.