Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1860-05-25
First Rate Leap Year Story.

THSt Natc Leap lear StOry.
1t is well known fact that the ladies are
allowed, by the conventional rules of socie-
~ and common consent, 10 take the lead OF
the men every leap year, and if they feel
disposed, to 60 SO far as to pop the question
without being considered rude or forward.
Although the right and privilege is con-
ceded to the ladies, we seldom hear of them
taking advantage of it. However, one
case in which the lady did avail herself of
the privilege of leap year, occurred in this
city on New Years day. We will relate
the particulars but not give the real names,
for the reason that the parties are residents
Of this city, and might not relish the idea
of having the privacy of their domestic af-
fairs brought before the public.
There is certain fashionable boarding
house in this city, 1--WE will locate it on
Thirty-third strcet) where very handsome
young widow was boarding. This lady we
will call Widow Cheerly, who has
fortune of some $4,000, left her by her
deceased husband, and no children. Three
young clerks 1--WE will name them Smith,
Brown and Jones,) who formerly boarded
at this boarding house, had called upon the
lady on New Years day. The Widow
CHEEKY was in her room and saw the young
gents approaching. She Immediately dress
ed herself up in her bridal array. called
the landlady and inquired the names Of the
young gents. The landlady informed her,
when she remarked, +" | intend to have one
Of these young men for husband" The
landlady smiled incredulously, and then
went TO the parlor to receive her visitors.
The widow followed Immediately, and with
out waiting for an introduction approached
Smith and said:
"Will you consent to become my hus-
band?"
The young man blushed, and was very
much confused at hearing the question
from lady he had never before seen, but
he finally succeeded in stammering out:
Sowing to the st ortness Of our acquaint-
ance, and another person having some
slight claims upon my affections you will
please excuse me-"
Certainly said the widow, +" / will
with pleasure, as did not notice this gen.
tleman," addressing Mr.. Brown, "before
spoke to you, or else would have proposed
TO him first. Will you marry me, Mr..
Brown ?"
81 WILL" said Brown, the ice is now
broken. I'd mustered courage to pop the
question, but you have taken advantage of
the leap year and removed the stumbling
block, will become your husband just as
soon as you please"
Right off, remarked the widow "land-
lady, you please send for my bonnet, and
out door apparel"
The necessary articles were sent for and
Mr.. Brown, with his intended hanging
gracefully on his arm, started for the resi-
dence of the pastor of the Boatman's Church
| When the minister was about TO unite the
couple in.the bond of wedlock, each heard
the others name for the first time. Every
thing went on as merry as the marriage
bell with the new married couple all that
day.
Next morning Brown awoke; the effects
of the numerous drinks Of the day previ.
Gus having now entirely wore off, he began
to reflect. He became serious. He thought
he was in rather bad scrape out of en-
ployment in the middle of winter. very
little money and wife depending on him
for support. While revolving the subjec
, in his mind, and not being able TO decide
: what he had better do-run off, or comm:
suicide-his wife awoke. "My DEAR" sale
she, have you any objections to collec
few bills?"
. He started, thinking that she supposed
he had some money coming to him, and tha
she desired him 10 collect little money fo
her benefit, and muttering rather surly
, 1" No, | have no objections to collecting
: money, when there is any coming to me-
al don't mean that. my dear. Get NJ
and 90 to my bureau drawer, and there yor
will find bills TO the amount of $500 for rent:
due me for the past month ; you Twill please
: collect them and accept the money from mt
as a New Years gifi."
Brown Ieaped from his bed scarcely be
lieving his senses that he distinctly under
stood his wife. and then rushed TO the bu
rean and there found the bills.
When we saw Brown he was collecting
bills-found it a very easy job-and hear,
him expa,iaiing upon the benefit of maifi
mony.-N. T. Times.
WORM KSowISG.-1f people, wheI
: .,,,Ia,, ,raes ,yould mark the north sid,