The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-06-18
I'll u nj OROU S.
Popping the Question.

We have heard of many cases of popping"
under very singular circumstances-the &C.
centric, the abrupt, the husiness-lke, the silly,
and thousand other styles. OF the eccen-
trio, we would cite the case of a well known
merchant, who, one day dining at friends
house sat next 10 lady who possessed rare
charms OF conversation. The merchant did
not possess this faculty in very rare degree,
but he could 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-
ed at the question.
"Buttered toAst?'
ayes"
"That Is strange; so do I. Let US get mar
RED"
There cannot be much doubt that the laby
was taken slightly aback, a fact that did not
prevent the marriage from coming oil in
month afterwards, nor the accession of the
lady to one of the finest establishments in the
city.
AS a specimen of the abrupt, we shall cite
the case of gentleman, who had retired
from business at the age of forty, and built
him beautiful house, determined TO enjoy
lie to the utmost. One day friend was din
ing with him, and said, half jokingly:
"You have everything here that the heart
can desire, but wife"
"That's true. / must think of It," said he,
and then relapsed into silence for few min
utes, at the end of which time he rose, pegged
to be excused for a short time, and left the
room. He seized his hat and went instantly
to Deigbbor's and was shown into the parlor
with the Information that neither the master
nor the mistress were at home. He told the
servant that he wanted neither, and request
ed the housekeeper TO 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 that know, that
should be willing to trust my happiness with;
and If you agree, we will be instantly mar
ried. What is your answer"
Sarah knew the man that addressed her,
and knew that his offer was serious, and as
we'll weighed as though considered for year,
and she severed him in the same spirit,
al agree"
"Vin rou be rea iy in an hour'"
IT will"
"a snaii 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,
aud 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 i'll kept
and badly cultivated, though really valuable
farm of deceased uncle. saw at 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 a few thousand dollars to stock 1t with
He could not help thinking to himself that,
possibly, these two great aids TO his happiness
and prosperity might be found togather, and
yet without attempting to put his matrimonial
and financial ideas into practice, he allowed
them TO haunt him continually.
With this upon his mind, our farmer started
upon a horseback journey TO distant part of
the country, and upon his return made an ac-
quaintance upon the road, in the person of an
old gentleman who was jogging the same way
The companions dined together al a wayside
inn, and fraternized 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:
IL rather like you. my friend, and your hon.
est way Of telling your story, and If you will
come aud see me shall be glad. have three
daughters, all as good girls as ever lived
Now, perhaps one may be the very one you
are looking for; If 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 will give you
fair chance TO see them and Judge"
The young man instantly agreed to the pro-
posal, making only one condition that the
young ladies should not be informed OF the ma
ture OF his errand. This was agreed to and
they separated.
line next day, at the time appointed, the
young man dsmounted at the door of the
house OF his new friend, and was heartily well
coined. The hour before dinner was consum-
ed Ia looking over the farm, the young man
in adnairinO IL Eaonfnv and fho al ;.,
proving OF the practical and sensible remarks
OF the younger, when the meal was announc-
ed, and the young ladies and their mother
were introduced. They were all, as the old
gentleman had said, fine girls, but the younger,
rosy-cheeked, blue-eyed. and laughing faced
charmed the young farmer especially. The
d'"nsr over, they once more walked out for a
ehst.
,sell, how do you like my daughters ?" was
the old geutleman's first question
"They are all nice girls, very NICE" said the
young man fhoughtfully.
-"And which Of them do you like best ?" was
the question.
"The youngest, Kate, she Is charming, and
II am TO be your son-in law, you must give
me Kate!"
"This will never do to take the youngest
ana oy all odds the prettiest," said the old gen.
tleman seriously.
Il must have her or none," was the response,
spoken decidedly.
How much money did you say you want
ed p
"F;ye thousand dollars will put my farm In
excellent order, and make 1t worth twenty
thousand tomorrow. l must have five thou
sand dollars"
I'll give you that sum with either Of the
other girls" said the old man positively; shut
will give you three thousand with Kate"
Then | may as well go home. Five thou
sand must have-I have set my mind upon
IT,
And l have just as strongly determined
to do only what l have said" was the old gen.
tleman's reply; $50 l suppose the matter
Is at an end. However, we will be good
friends, and you must sometimes run ever and
see me-"
This ended the conference, and they part
ed The young man mounted his
horse, and rode down the road, but justas
he was about opening the gate, STOPPING
from his saddle, the laughing-faced Kate
sprang through the shrubbery to save him
the trouble.
Cant you accept my fathers terms?"
"Yes, by George, will, il you say So" was
the Instantaneous response.
Then come over to morrow morning before
ten O'Clock and tell him So" and the girl van
ished like fairy among the leaves.
The young man rode slowly home, but he
was on hand the next morning, according to
bidding, aud married the fair Kate In two
months after.