Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1860-03-24
A First Rate Leap Year Story.

1t is we'll known fact that the Ia.
dies are allowed, by the conventional
rules of society and common consent,
to take the lead of men every leap year.
and if they feel disposed, to 60 as far
as to pop the question without being
considered forward Although the
right hand and privilege is conceded to
the ladies, we seldom Eear of them Ia
king advantage of it. However. one
case in which the lady did avail her.
self of the privilege of leap year, oc-
Cured in this city on new years day.
We will relate the particulars but not
give real names, for the reason that
the parties are resident 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, I've will locate
it on Thirty-third street, where very
handsome young widow was boarding
This lady we will call Widow Cheer
ly, who has fortune of some $50, 900,
left 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, called upon the lady
on new years day. The Widow
CHEEKY was in her room and saw the
young gents approaching. She imme-
diately dressed herself up in her brl-
dal array, called the landlady and in
quired the names of the young gents.
The landlady informed her; when she
remarked, II intend to have one of
these young men for husband.''-
The landlady smiled increduously, and
then went to the parior to receive her
visitors. The widow followed imme-
diately, and without waiting for an in
PRODUCTION approached Smith and
said:
"WilI You consent to become my
husband %
The young man blushed, and was
very much confused at hearing the
question from lady he had never be-
fore seen, but he finally succeeded in
getting out:
"Owing to the shortness of our ac-
quaintance, and another person having
some slight claims upon my affections,
you will please excuse me-"
"Certainly," said the widow, II will
with pleasure, as did not notice this
gentleman" addressing Mr.. Brown,
"betore l spoke to you, or else Iwould
have proposed to him first. Will you
marry me, Mr.. Brown %
Il will" said Brown, "the ice is now
broken. I would have been a married
man years ago if l could have muster
ed courage to pop the question, but as
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;
''landlady, you will please send for
my bonnet, and other outdoor apparel"
The necessary articles were sent for,
and Mr.. Brown, with his intended
hanging gracefully on his arm, started
for the residence of the pastor Of the
Boatman's Church. When the minis
ter was about to unite the couple in
the bonds Of wedlock, each heard the
others name for the first time. Every
thing went on as f'merry as marriage
bell' with the new married couple all
that day.
Next morning Brown awoke; the eff
feet Of the numerous drinks of the day
previous having now entirely worn oH',
he began to reflect. He became seri-
ho Al
bad scrape out Of employment in the
middle of the winter, very little mon
ey and a wife depending OH him for
support. While revolving the subject
over in his mind, and not being able to
decide which he had better do-ruu
off, or commit suicide-his wife awoke.
''My dear,'' said she, sshave you any
objection to collecting few bills
He started, thinking that she sup
posed he had some money coming to
him, and that she desired him to col
lect little money for her benefit, AMI
he muttered rather surly, "No, I
have no objections to collecting money
when there is any coming to me-
Il don't mean that, my dear. Get
up and go to my bureau drawer, and
there you will find bills to the amount
of $500, for rent due me for the past.
month; you will please collect them
and accept the money from me as
New Years gift"
Brown leaped from his bed, scarce
ly believing his senses, that he dis
tinctly understood his wife and then
rushed to the bureau and there foand
the bills.
When we saw Brown, he was out col
lecting bills--found it a very easy job
and heard him expatiating upon the
benefits Of matnimony.-N. r. Times,
Ts r.