The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-07-04
A Clergyman's Joke.

was spending the night IN notci IN free-
port, Illinois. After breakfast I came into
the sitting room, where I met pleasant,
chatty, good humored traveller, who, like
myself, was waiting for the morning train
from Galena. We conversed freely and
pleasantly on several topics, until seeing two
young ladies meet and kiss each other in the
street, the conversation turned on kissing,
just about the time the train was approach
ing. Come said he, taking up his carpet
bag, since we are on 50 sweet subject, let
us have practical application. I'll make
proposition to you. I'll agree to kiss the
most beautiful lady in the cars from Galena,
you being the judge, II you will kiss the
next prettiest, being the judge The prop
osition staggered me little, and could
hardly tell whether he was in earnest or in
fun; but as he would be as deep in 1t as l
could possibly be, I agreed, provided he
would do the 6rst kissing. though my heart
failed somewhat as saw his black eyes spar
kle with daring. YES said he, Ill try 1t
first. You take the back car, and 60 in from
the front end, where you can see the faces Of
the ladies, and you stand by the ono you
think tho handsomest, and I'll come in from
behind and kiss her.
had hardly stepped inside of the car
when I saw at the first glance one OF the
lovclest looking women my eye ever fell on.
A beautiful blonde, with auburn hair, and o
bright, sunny face, full Of love and sweet
ness, and as radiant and glowing as the morn
ing. Any further search was totally un-
necessary.
Immediately took my stand in the aisle
of the car by her side. She was looking out
of the window earnestly, Us II expecting
some one. The back door Of the car opened
and in stepped my hotel friend. pointed
my finger Slyly to her, never dreaming that
he would dare to carry out his pledge; and
you may imagine my horror and amazement
when he stepped up quickly behind her, and,
stooping over, kissed her with relish that
made my mouth water from end to end
expected, Of course, shrick Of terror, and
then o row generally, and knock.down ;
but astonishment succeeded astonishment,
when saw her return the kisses with com.
pound interest.
Quick as flash ho turned to me, and said,
Now, sir, 1t is your turn pointing to a
hideously ugly, wrinkled woman, who sat ID
the seat behind. 'Oh! you must excuse me
you must excuse me!' exclaimed. I'm
sold this time. Igive 1t up. DO tell me
who you've been kiSsing' well, said he,
since you are man of so much taste, and
such quick perception, will let you off,
And VIC oil burst into good peal of laugh.
ter as he said, This is my wife. Ihave been
waiting here for her. l knew that was a
safe proposition He told the story to his
wife, who looked ten.fold sweeter when she
heard 1t.
Before we reached Chicago We exchanged
cards, and I discovered that my genial com.
panion was IN Episcopalan preacher Of Chi.
cago, whose name had frequently heard
Whenever 60 to Chicago always go to
hear him, and heartier, moro natural, and
moro eloquent preabher it is hard to 6nd.-
He was then but young man; he is we'll
known n. one of the ablest divines Of the
Episcopal denomination in the West -Hdr-
per's Monthly.