Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-02-06
From the St. Louis Herald
LEAP YEAR.

the lead of the men every leap year
and, if they feel disposed, to go so far
as 10 "pop the question, without being
considered rude or forward. Although
the right and privilege is conceded to
the ladies, we seldom hear of them tax
ing advantage oft. However, one case,
in which the lady did avail herself of
the privileges of leap year, did occur in
this city on New Years day. We will
relate the particulars. but not give the
real names, for the reason that the par
ties are residents of this city, and might
not relish the idea Of having the privacy
of their domestic affairs brought before
the public.
There is certain fashionable board.
ing house in this city, 1--WE will locate it
on Third street, where very handsome
young widow was boarding. This lady
we will call Widow CHEEKY, who has a
fortune of some $50, 900, left her by her
deceased husband, and no children
Three young clerks, 1--WE will name them
Smith, Brown and Jones, who former
ly boarded at this boarding house, called
upon the landlady on New Years day.
The Widow CHEEKY was in the room,
and saw the young gents approaching.
She Immediately "dressed herself up in
her bridal array" called the landlady
and inquired the names of the young
gents. The landlady informed her,
when she remarked, al intend 70 have
one of those young men for husband" "
The landlady smiled incredulously. and
then went down to receive her visitors.
The Widow followed Immediately, and
without waiting for an introduction ap-
preached Smith and said
"Will you consent to become my hus-
band ?''
The young man blushed, and was
very much confused at hearing the ques-
ton from lady he had never before
seen, but he finally succeeded in STAN
mering out
lowing to the shortness of our ae-
quaintance, livery short, having never
seen the lady before, and another per-
son having some slight claims upon
my affections, you will please excuse
me-"
"Certsinly," said the Widow, Il will
with pleasure, as 1 did not notice this
gentleman. addressing Mr.. Brown. "be
lore 1 spoke to you, or else | would have
proposed to him first. Will you marry
me, Mr.. Brown ?"
al will" said Brown, ''the ice is nov
broke. / would have been a married
man years ago. if l could have mustered
courage enough to pop the question but
as you have taken advantage of leapyear,
and removed the stumbling block, l will
become your husband just as soon as you
please"
Right off," remarked the Widow
Landlady, you will please send for
my bonnet, and other out door wearing
apparel"
The necessary articles were sent for,
and Mr.. Brown, with his intended hang
ing gracefully on his arm, started for the
residence of the Pastor of the Boatmsn' S
Church. When the minister was about
10 unite the couple in the bonds of we'd
lock, they gave him tlcir names, and
each heard the others name for the first
time. Every thing went on as merry
as marriage bell, with the new mar
ried couple all that day.
Next morning, when Brown awoke,
the effects of the numerous drinks of the
day previous having now entirely worn
off, he began to reflect. He became Sc
rious. He thought he was in rather a
bad scrape-out of employment, in the
middle of winter, very little money, and
wife depending on him for support
While revolving the subject over in his
mind, and not being able to decide what
he had better do-run off or commit
suicide-his wife awoke. "My DEAR"
said she, have you any objection to
collecting few bills ?"
He started, thinking that she supposed
he had some money coming to him, and
that she desired him to collect a ''little
money" for her benefit. and muttered,
rather surly. mo, have no objections
to collect money, when there is any COM
ing to me-"
81 do not mean that, my dear. Get
up and go to my burean drawer, and
there you will find bills to the amount of
$500, for rents due me for the past
month ; you will please collect them, and
accept the money from me as New
Years gift"
Brown leaped from the bed. scarcely
believing his senses, that he had dis
tinctly understood his wife, and then
rushed to the bureau and there found the
bills.
When we saw Brown he was cut col
lerting his bills--found it a very easy
job-and heard him expatiating upon the
benefits of matrimony.