Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-05-27

on me as the other. L MS WAS Cuiohic uouSc
played on their various admirers to suit conve-
nencc and insure rest. AS far as these galiants
were concerned it was immaterial. Although
one mi yht 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
themselves by some article of apparel or jew.
elry. But was fruitless. "That would spoil
our fun" they would exclaim, as though i
meditated SOME terrible niiction.
As have told you, was in love. i felt
that my happiness depended on the possession
of one Of these twins. But for whom should
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 |, here is surity
that can talk whole evening to one of this
| dual phenomenon AS she entered the parlor,
said How do you do Miss Hannah p
You are wrong sir it is Miss Sue" "Are
you humbugging? ?" F" Truly not. tell you
| sincerely YOU now address Sue Grover" lsaw
she looked unusually tender, and taking adj
/ vantage of her faltering voice and tremulous
manner, declared my love, and was told that
! she returned it with all the ardor OF her true
( AMI impassionate nature. sum noned 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 -
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 on-distinguishment. On this
ground had genuine trouble.
Before Hannah returned, invited Sue TO
take 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 careless'y
played with it to throw her off her guard
then calling her attention to party Of students,
took my Congress knife and drew the file
blade through the inner part. left nice
mark, and by this hoped to identity her in
the future. On our return to the house, Sc
crctly posted her parents They said that |
did properly, that it was time Sue should be
recognized by her aflianced.
"You think you are smart" said she, ere ]
left her,
"Wby?" replied ],
"Oh p responded she, that ring game has
been tried by half dozen admirers. susp-
cioned 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 a ring. One week after, they resumed
them; but in neither was their mark. 1t
was evident that was TO be outgeneraed, and
would have to depend on the discretion of my
intended, and the goodness Of their parents.
At parties had severe trials. never knew
whom | took home, and even, when home
would talk a food Of love to the wrong girl
and receive laugh for my enthusiasm
Hang il ?" said | !; "thc cream Of the joke is
i can't he revenged, for might hurt the
wrong lady"
Thebetruthal ring was given Now, thought
| |, there is termination TO my discomhturc.-
| Well it did terminate just-tweuty- hours.
| Hannah took Sues ring, went to jeweler 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 / do? Had Sue been willing,
could have schemed forty devices. But she
relished the dish, and never would cooperate.
Weddng-day came | must take a young
lady on the words of herself and parents
g Well" said /, mentally, so get one of the
! girls my object will be accomplished.
The ceremony was performed before an i'm
mense throng, in the largest church in 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
All !" said I, lovingly, TO my wife, "Sue,
darling | will know you now." How 2"
said she. "By the diamond ring" replied |.
Don't be too sure, Clarence" Alb" laughed
!. " Hannah will 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 proGered,
on which was a fac siVi!e Of The bridal gilt
! She now went 10 her room, and attiring her
self in one of the twin garbs, was again una
bic to recognize my own wife.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, business sud-
denly called me to New Orleans. While there
my treasure died ] was grieved, yet from toe
! fact that Hannah lived, my agony was but
temporary. / returned two weeks after the
! funeral. Nv sister-n-law wore neither be-
trothal or diamond ring. There was nothing
to be gained by it, and they were laid aside
Ny friends, I am extremely sensitive; mere
child; yet, believe me when tell you that the
presence of Hannah was perfect and speedy
restorative. could not weep. Was she not
the same as Sue in all respects? True, when
saw the family sad | was troubled; but only
on account of their grief. had none Of my
own. And that loved was an exact dupli-
cate, and that moved before me as Of yore.-
Yes, confess that no loving husband ever
suffered less.
In eighteen months stood in the same
church, anditsecIned before the same concourse.
As Hannah was given TO me in the holy es-
tate Of matrimony, it appeared that was en-
acting farce remarrying my own wife