Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1861-02-07
A COurtiug Rcniiniscncc.

n COuftsuS hChl1nlScncc.
The following is q reminsence Of Sta
ten Island, and is graphic description
Of how Mr.. Barnes courted his wife. The
writer says that Mr. Barnes lived in the .
outskirts Of Que of the villages of Staten
Island. And that he was neither "fat, :
fair, nor forty" but TALL thin and thirty, |.
or thereabouts: He owned sweet,
pretty little cottage, and q productive
farm. to the improvement of which he de-
voted his exclusive attention. Two or
three times week he might be seen in
the ncighboring villages, driving his
steady old nOg from door to door dispos
ing of his "truck" to those who had the
means and inclination to buy-many of
his customers depending on him for their
constant and regular supply Of vegeta
bles.
As his wants were few, Mr. Barnes nc
cumulated money, and perhaps this cir
cumstance led him to reHect-and no
wonder-what would become of his
boarded treasures after he was called into
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 embowered in shrubbery and fragrant
flowers, if he only had a wife to share
his joys and sorrows. The more he con-
sidered the matter, the stronger was his
resolution, if it was possible, to tie the
"gordian-knot" before the hog killing
time at Christmas.
Among his occasional customers was a
spry young widow. with not much of the
worlds goods, and with one or two 'lt-
tie responsibilities, who were the hope
and Joy OF their mo other. One day, just
after noon, Mr.. Barnes having disposed
Of his goods, with his empty wagon drove
up to the widows door, and seeing her
at the window, asked her to come to the
door, which she did, no doubt wondering
what the "od bachelor" wanted.
"Stop close to the wagon" said
Barnes. IL don't want any person to
hear what ! have to say"
The widow complied, covered with
bushes and smiles, evidently impressed
with the idea that something Of more
than ordinary interest was on hand. De-
lberately laying down the rcins, he said
II have concluded that | would be
much more comfortable if had wife
who was prudent. careful and neat, to
help me see things round. What is your
opinion?"
"Well, now Mr.. Barnes" said the
widow. 81 never gave it a thought; but
l suppose such wife would not dimin-
ish your happiness"
at is just what | thought" he con
timed; "will you have me?"
"Me?"
eyes, you! / have no time to talk
much about it; you know me and | know
you, and If YOU think will suit you as
well as know you will suit mo. say tho
word and it's bargain"
"But youi proposal is so sudden and
unexpected, Mr.. Barnes; give me time to
reflect little"
"Now, look hero, Mrs W." no contn.
ued, all this expect is woman-like, but
neither of us arc chickens-you can make
up your mind now as well as any time"
"Call tomorrow. Mr.. Barnes"
Cant do it, Mrs. w., am going to
cradle my wheat tomorrow. and that is
matter | can'tput off. SO all you have
to do is to say yes on the spot"
"But my little children, Mr., Barnes"
Never mind the children, Mrs. w. |
am very fond of littlo ones, there is room
enough in the house for them, too, and
they will bcjust as welcome as you are
Come, say the word. and its a bargain.
You know il takes two to make bar
gain"
"Well. then, yes. Mr. Barnes"
"That's spoken like woman Of good
sense. as always took you to be-. Go
put on your bonnet and your shawl, and
jump into the wagon, and we'll drive
down to tho preachers. and have the
business fixed straight away"
Before you could say Jack Robinson
Mr.. and Mrs Barnes were seated together
IN tho wagon. and the two little ones
packed away in a basket, and they wer,
vending their way to their future, ant
what proved to them all to bo their happy
home.