Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-04-16
A BRIDE IN A BOX.

An Englishman, living in Athens.
Mr.. x, had became enamored Of a young
Armenian, of Constantinople, who had
sister. The two sisters were handsome
and manageable; it was the eldest he
loved. 1t was impossible to ask her in
marriage; the laws of Turkey do not per-
NIT an Armenian TO marry Frank
Another expedient remained, one little
more violent; but when an Englishman
has time to be in love, he does no. do
things by halves. Mr.. K. resolved to
carry off the object of his affections; and
she did not say no. At Constantinople
elopements are not made in post-ehaise,
there being neither post-chaises nor car
riage roads. 1t was agreed that the
damsel should pack herself as comforts-
bly, as possible in cedar wood box,
pierced with small holes: that she should
be booked in the ordinary manner in q
ship bound for Athens. and that on land
ing there undamsged, this charming
packet should assume the name of Mrs.
X, The vessel was aboutto sail. the box
was in readiness, care having been ia.
ken to provide both biscuits and sweet
meats as food during the voyage. But
when the time came for getting in. tie
young lady hesitsted. Her sister, kind
creature, did all she could to encourage
her, but all was unavailing.
Come sister, said she, "be brave, foul
days will be over, and in four days, witt
fair wind, you will reach Athens. YOr
will not have every comfort, to be sure
but have we ever that in this life? Ore
readily bears little squeezing 10 gain
husband, bear witness corsets."
The elder sister laid herself down ii
the box but got out Immediately. Sht
screamed like peacock each time thu
lid was lowered.
At last she e-ied tas.. ti. she would rath.
er remain unmarried all her life, ant
dIess the hair OF st. Catharine of Arme
MIA, than travel to her nup'ials in a box
"Refect said the younger sister; here
is good cedar-wood box that will b.
lost"
"oh, we wilI&eep our bOnuets in it, >
replied the elder.
"And this poor Mr.. X. who is await
ing you, have you no compassion fol
him? For my part I feel quite grieved."
ooh, little sister, said the elder. impa,
tiently. if you are so bent upon the jour
ney, why not take it yourself?"
"Indeed l have thought of il" replied
the younger.
"You would go and marry Mr.. X?''
"why not?"
"Think oflhe proprieties, sister,"
"Why did you not think of the propli-
cites? Is that what stops you? Itdoes
appear to me thatyou fear but one thing,
and that is. being rumpled. / am Drawer
than you."
Preparations were soon made; the
younger one embraced her sister, enter
ed the box, was carefully set down on the
bridge, and arrived at Athens as brilliant
as doll Just brought from Nuremburg.
Who was surprised? 1t was MI. x
Mr.. Y. was one of those methodical Eng
lishmen who say, am making ten Il ou-
sand a year; in 1880 l shall have two
hundred thousand; in January, 1882, l
shall be married; in 1888 shall have a
boy; in 1884 a girl; in 1884 shall retire
from business" F"
1t was about the end of January, 1882,
{ l don't guarantee dates that the r;ar-
rage suit was ordered; Mr. X, had no
other lady in view; to wait longer would
have been to -derange all the plans; the
two sisters somewhat resembied each
other, with this difference, that he loved
the fair one, and married the brunette
He was welded. Mrs. X. has never
been carried of since her marriage.