The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1860-08-29
A coURTING "REMINISCENCES.

A COURTING REMlNIsCENCE.
The following is "reminiscences of Staten
Island, and is graphic description of how
Mr. Barnes couried his wife: The writer
says that Barnes lived in the outskirts of one
he was neither fat, fair, nor forty but tall.
thin and thirty or thereabouts. He owned 4
sweet pretty little cottage and productive
farm. to the Improvement Of which he de-
voted his exclusive attention. Two Of three
times week, he might be seen in the neigh-
boring villages. driving his steady old nag
from door to door, disposing OF his /" truck "
to those who had the means and inclination
10 buy-many Of his countrymen depending
on him for their constant and regular supply
OF vegetables.
AS bis wants were but few, Mr. Barnes
accumulated money, and perhaps this cir
cumstance led him to refieet-and no won
der-shat would become of his boarded
treasures after he was called TO another
world. The subject was one of serious
concern with Mr. Barnes, and he sometimes
! thought how comfortable he might be in his
charming little cottage, all embOsomed in
shrubbery and fragrant flowers, il he only
had a wife to share his Joys and sorrows.
/ The mere lie considered the matter, the
stronger was his resolution, il il was possible,
to tie the " "gortian knot" before hog. killing
4 time, at Christmas.
! Among his occasional customers was spry
young widow, with not much Of this worlds
gnods and with one or two "little RESPONSE
! Utilities" who were the hope and JOY OF their
mother. One day, Just after noon, Mr.. ID.
having disposed Of hs goods, with his empty
wagon drove up TO the widows door, and
seeing her at the door, where she stood, no
doubt wondering what the cold bachelor
wanted.
I" Step close 10 the wagon" said Barnes.
81 don't want anybody TO bear what ] have
10 say"
Tie widow complied, coyefed with bushes
and smiles, evidently strongly impressed
with the idea that something Of more than
ordinary interest was on hand. Deliberately
laying down the reins he said, Ihaye about
concluded that would be much more COM
fortable il had a wife. who was prudent
careful and neat, to help me see things round ;
what's your opinion :"
"Well, now, Mr.. Barnes" said the widow,
"l never gave it a thought; but suppose
such wife would not diminish your hapPis
ness"
"Ttis just what thought" he continued !;
will you have me -
tMes"
Yes-you. | have no time to talk much
about il you know me and know you, and
il you think will suit you as well as know
you will suit me, say the word, and il is a
bargain"
But your proposal is SO sudden and un-
expected, Mr.. Barnes; give me time TO re-
fleet little"
Now look here, Mrs. W." he continued,
Z" all this expect is woman.like, but neither
Of Us are chickens; you can make up your
/. mind now as well as any tine"
Call tomorrow, Mr.. Barnes"
Can't do il, Mrs. W., am going to cra-
die my wheat to morrow, and that is matter
| can't put OF. So all YOU have got to do is
just to say yes on the spot"
\ q But nv children, slr. Barnes:"
:" Never mind the children, Mrs w, am
very fond Of little ones; there is room enough
N the house for them, too. and they will DC
just as welcome as YOU are. Come say the
/ the word. and il is bargain. You know il
takes two TO make bargain"
4 "Well, then. 'yes,' Mr.. Barnes"
" That's spoken like woman Of good sense
a. always took you to be. Go put on YOUR
bonnet aud shawl. and jump into the wagur,
aud veil drive down to lie preachers aud
have the business finished straight away"
Before you could say Jack Robinson. Mr..
and Mrs. Barnes were started together in the
wagon, and two little ones packed away in q
basket. and they were wedding their way to
tteir future, and what proved to al Of them
70 be their happy home.