Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-07-20

voice.
Said I, ''ladies, pardon me; I know you are
not horses, but allow me to look at your teeth. :"
L desired this, deeming there would be found
some little speck, indentation or irregularity
that would ever serve as an index. They ex-
hlolted their pearl rows; but, after minute in
Vestigatlon, was no better informed. | ex-
amlned the finger nails, then the lines on their
hands, still l gave it up that Sue and Hannah
might forever exchange places without detec-
ton On my part
The ridiculous blunders Of admirers were fre-
quent. Mantuamakers, Shoemakers and trades
people in general were continually presenting
Sue an account created by Hannah, or telling
Hannah some lines intended for the ear Of Sue.
/ The beauty Of the ladies impressed me-
They were of my style. An acquaintance Of
two months demonstrated their superiority IN
all respects. In brief, found myself in love
but with which one?
/ When tender ideas arose. I found it just as
natural to talk to one as the other. Yes, sol
e:nnly aver, was In loye-I had the real con-
nubial article.
! | frequently took them out, yet never knew
whom | had. If my lady would quote Sue, L
/ thought it clear [ had Hannah, or if Hannah
vas mentioned, [ believed [ was beauing Sue.
Indeed, it was mere matter OF faith. There
was no evidence for often one palmed herself
on me as the other. This was chronic dodge
nience and insure rest. As far as these galants
were concerned, it was immaterial. Although
one might be called for by name, the other
would do just as well, no one being able to de-
tect the difference
! often implored them to contra distinguish
i themselves by some article Of apparel or jewel
ry. But it was fruitless. THAT would spoil our
| fun, - they would exclaim. as though | medl-
tated some terrible inhiction.
| As have told you, [ was in love. l felt
| that my happiness depended on the possession
ask the parents? Honestly it was no matter
which one had, as affection made no choice.
| On lovely eve in September, one sister was
from home. Now, thought l. here is surety
that l can talk whole evening to one OF this
dual phenomenon. AS she entered the parlor,
said, How do you do Miss Hannah ?" 'You
are wrong, sir; it is Miss Sue Are you
humbugglng?" ?" Truly not. 1 tell you sin
cereIy you now address Sue Grover [ saw
she looked unusually tender and taking advan
tage of her taltering voice and tremulous man
ner, [ declared my love, and was told that she
returned it with all the ardor of her true and
impassionate nature | summoned the old
| folks, told our devotion, gave my prospects,
and made all essential revelations. The senior
Growers gave us their blessings, and assured us
that they would see our course Of true love
/! Should run smooth. ."
But what if that other were to come In J.
What pretty mix How would [ ever know
my girl? though again | assure you it would
| have made no difference. | would have pro-
posed to Hannah just the same. My only
/ trouble was in the multitude of embarrassments
| incident to non-dlstinguishment. On this
ground I had genuine trouble
/ Before Hannah returned, | invited Sue to
| take d walk On the green. When opposite the
center of the church [ spoke of the betrothal
/ ring and requested her to please let me see the
ring she wore. She took it off, aud I careless
/ " played with it to throw her off her guard
i then calling her attention to a party OF stu
dents, took my Congress knife and drew the
| file blade through the inner part L lett a nice
| mark, and by this [ hoped to identify her IN
! the future On our return to the house, Sc
cretly posted her parents. They SAID that l
/ did properly, that it was time Sue should be
] recognized by her afianced
/ You think you are smart. said she, ere |
| left her
'Why ?" replied l.
"Oh = responded she, "that ring game has
/ been tried by half a dozen admirers. | sus-
peeted what you were at, but thought. ! would
see how many heads would conceive the same
| plan. The next day. neither she nor her sis
ter wore ring. One week after, they re-
sualed them; bat il neither was there mark.
| It was evident that l was to be outgeneraled,
and would have to depend on the discretion of
my intended, aud the goodness OF their parents.
At parties had severe trials. | never knew
whom I took home, and even, when at home,
would talk a flood Of love to the wrong girl and
receive laugh for my enthusiasm: Hang
it?" said ''the cream of the joke isl cant
/ be revenged. for [ might hart the wrong lady:
{ The betrothal ring was given. Now, thought
| I, there is termination to my discontinue.
Well, it did terminate just-twenty- four hours
Hannah took Sues ring, went to a JoWeler and
ordered one precisely like it, and bearing the
same inscription Moreover, she charged him
to see that the engraving was counterfeited be-
yond recognition 1t was done. So was l.
/! Now what could I do Had Sue been willing,
| I could have schemed forty devices. But she
relished the dish, and never would cooperate.
Wedding-day came. I must take young lady
on the words of herself and parents; '.Well,
said I, mentally, 80 get one Of the girls my
object viii be accomplished
The ceremony was performed before an I'M
mense throng, in the largest church in the city.
The bridal dress fortunately enabled me to ad-
here to one. Congratulations being over, my
beautiful bride and [ journied to Niagara, and
inspected several Canadian cities and towns
'Ahr' said I, lovingly, to my wife, Sue;
darling. I will know you now. How SAID
she. t'By the diamond ring replied - =,
Don't be too sure, clarence. An
laughed I. Hannah viii not annoy me any
further" But, alas for earthly hopes. My
beloved told her sister the name OF the New
York importer, and on our return small hand
was proffered on which was fac slmle OF the
bridal Gift. She now went to her room, and
attising herself in one of the twin garbs, | was
again unable to recognize my own wife.
Now. ladies and gentlemen, business sudden
" called me to New Orleans. While there my
treasure died [ was grieved, yet from the
fact that Hannah lived. my agony was but
temporary / returned two weeks after the
funeral My sister-in-law wore neither betrothal
or diamond ring. There was nothing to be gain
ed by it, and they were laid aside. Ny friends,
am extremely sensitive a mere child; yet,
believe me when [ tell you that the presence OF
Hannah was perfect and speedy restorative.
could not weep Was sac not the same as
Sue in all respects? True when I saw the
family was troubled but only on account OF
their grief. [ had none of my own. Yes
confess that no loving husband ever suffered
less.
Tn eighteen months [ stood in the same
church. and itseemed before the same concourse.
AS Hannah was given to me In the holy estate
of matrimony, it appeared that was enacting
farce remarrying my own wife
CHARACTER. There is one thing in the wide
universe which is really valuable, and that is
character. BY this | mean a confidence, in the
! hosoms of those who know you. hatsyou have
the mower. the capacity, and the disposition, tt
confer happiness on others. This, of course
will include power over yourself so that yo,
. can GOVERN and restrain your own wishes, ant