The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-02-12
Mistellaneol1s.
Popping the Question.

We have heard Of many cases Of "popping"
under very singular circumstances-the eccen-
trio. the abrupt, the business-lke the silly, aud
hundred other styles. OF the eccentric, We
could cite the case Of a wcll-known merchant,
who, one day dining at a friends house, sat
next TO .ady who possessed rare charms OF
conversation The merchant did not possess
this faculty in very rare degree, but he could Il.
do that which is next best, he could appreciate,
an appreciation which he endeavored to show
by the following mode OF action:
| "Do YOU like toast, Miss B-r"
"Yes," responded the lady, slightly surpris.
ell at the question.
"Buttered toast!"
eyes"
"That Is strange so do I. Let US get mar
ried."
lady was taken slightly aback, a fact that did
not prevent the marriage from coming of in
month afterwards, nor the accession Of the
lady to one Of the finest establishments in the
city.
As specimen Of the abrupt, VIC shall cite the
case Of gentleman who had retired from busi-
ness at the age of forty, and built him beauti-
full house. determined to enjoy life To- the ut
most. One day a friend was dining with him,
and said. half jokingly:
"You have every thing here that the heart
can desire, but wife,"
THAT'S true. must think of it," said he |;
and then rclapscd into silence for few min
utes, at the end of which time he rose, begged
to be excused for short time, and left the
room. He seized his hat and went instantly to
neighbor's and was shown into the parlor
with the information that neither the master
nor mistress were at home. He told the ser
want that he wanted neither, and requested that
the housckeepcr be sent to him. She came, and
the gentleman thus addressed her:
.Sarah, have known you for many years,
and have Just been told that want wife,
You are the only woman know, that should
be willing to entrust my happiness with, and II
you agree, We will be instantly married. What
Is your answcrf"
Sarah knew the man that addressed her, and
knew that his offer was serious, and rs we'll
weighed as though considered for year /; and
she answered him in the same spirit.
81 agree"
"will you be ready in an hOur'"
"I will"
az shall return for you at that time"
Which he did, the gentleman who had sug-
gested the idea accompanying him to the cler-
gyman's. Many years have passed since then,
and neither party has seen any cause to regret
the abrupt proposal and acceptance.
or the business style, we can cite case re-
lated TO us, which we know for true one. A
young man who had succeeded to the ill-kept
and badly cultivated, though really valuable
farm OF deceased uncle, saw Mt glance that
two things were absolutely necessary to enable
him to succeed the first being wife to take
charge OF the woman's department, and the
second few thousand dollars to stock 1t with.
He could not help thinking to himself that,
possibly. these two great aids to his happiness
yet without attempting to put his matrimonial
and financial iieas into practice, he allowed
them to haunt him continually.
With this upon his mind, our farmer started
upon horseback journey 10 distant part OF
the country, and upon his return made an ac-
auaintance upon the road, In the person Of an
old gentleman who was jogging the same way.
The companions dinel together at a wayside
inn, and fraternizcd pleasantly, during which
the young man opened his heart to the elder,
telling him all his plans and aspirations, when
the old gentleman addressed the younger:
"I rather like you my frienl, and your hon
est way Of telling your story, and II you will
come and sec me, I shall be Dad. have three
daughters, ALA good girls N over lived. Now,
perhaps, one may be the vcyy one you are look
ing for IL so. l will do my best toward making
the balance OF the matter agreeable. Ride over
and see me tomorrow. take dinner and stay In
the afternoon. which viii give you a fair chance
to see them and judge"
The Young man instantly agreed 10 the pro-
po.al making only one condition that the young
iadies should not be informed Of the nature OF
his errand. This was agreed to and they sepa
rated.
The next day, at the time appointed. the
young man dismounted at the door Of the
house of nj. new made friend, and was hearth
IN welcomed. The hour before dinner was con-
sumed in looking over the farm, the young
man in admiring its keeping, and the old one in
approving of the sensible and practical remarks
OF the Younger. when the meal was announced,
and the three young ladies and their mother
were introduced. They were oil, as the old
gentleman had said fine girls, but the younger.
rosy-cheeked, blue.eyed, and laughing'fAcsd ,
charmed the young farmer especially. The
dinner over, they once more walked out 'or
chat.
'well, how do you like my daughters 7" was
the old gentleman's first question.
"Thcy are al nice girls, very nice" said the
young man thoughtfully.
| "And which Of them do you like best was
the question. ..r
''The youngest, Kate. shc Is charming, and II
am to be your son-in.law. you must give me
| Kate" = r.. 10
.'This win never do to take the youngest and
BY all odds the prettiest." said the old gentle
man seriously. .-e.l.
.I must have hero none" was the response.
spoken decidedly.