Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-06-02


| at the eleventh hour? With such love what
would become of me? was determined to
own Eer, even if [ did not see her for de-
| cade.
An idea dawned-a brilliant one. was
determined to compass speedy marriage
and satisfy our romance. After food of
tenderness, by way of dramatic peroration,
wrote: ''-my adored one, let us depart
| from the stale routine, and wed by tele-
graph.
The idea took her by storm. Her answer
was characteristic 1t ran thus-''Darling
1 will The idea is savory, but is it legal ?'
Immediately l sent for my friend, the
judge. Soon as he faced me, said |, Judge,
is a marriage by telegraph legal?"
Certainly, sir; ] see no objections to a
contract by telegraph. readily perceive
how all requirements can be accomplished
"Will you state this opinion on paper,
and prescribe formula for au electric we'd
ding?"
with pleasure, sir.
The Judge understood me, and gladly
complied. The result forwarded to Kate
by return mail, and soon received word that
| on the following Thursday she and proper
authority would present themselves at the
indianapolis Office according to said formula
there to enter upon the holy estate of mat
rimony.
tell you the appointed day was great
one among the mutual friends at each end
of the wire The affair was so novel; that
all else was eclipsed by the contemplation
of it.
Clergymen and witnesses assembled at
the termini There in full costume, two un-
seen lovers were to be made man and wife.
The instrument began its tick-t ticking.
The operator read, the clergyman put ques
| tions, [ answered. the instrument did more
work, and soon was saluted as the hus-
band of Kate Leary. Happy was 1, though
the possessor of a lady | had never be-
| held.
One week passed and still was without
help. My brain was becoming phrensied; ;
| must see Kate, and l must go to her first,
for it was her:fa and well did know what
Leary was.
By entreaty l prevailed upon brother
merchant TO loan me his best clerk. Soon
as be put his foot in the store, put mine
in a stage, en- route for the capital of Indi-
ana. When about twelve miles from the city,
we stopped for passenger. 1t was young
lady. Such a being never beheld. She
resembled my likeness of Kate but was far
more beautiful. | own my heart went out to
her Call me tickle; say what you please,
and will bear it. repeat my heart gush-
cd for flood of love.
Here was a fix |, married man, going
to seehis telegraphic bride, and as telegraph
ically in love with another woman. | began
| to repent my haste, and, when too late saw
the crime of marrying one [ had never put
eyes upon. What would do? The lady
was also married, for heard the driver call
he madam.
How she eyed me! spoke about the
coach window being raised to suit her. She
thanked me in tones that acted like an ar
terial stimulant. l was gone. Much con-
versation followed, and was a goner l saw
she was giving me sweet, yet pleading looks.
Heavens! thought l, she is unhappily ma
ted. Suppose betray my love how would 1
feel when in the presence of my wife, and
what power would l confer on total stran-
ger? l had it. would betray nothing, but
offer consolation to flower most surely me-
elected We were the only passengers, and
what good chance
Madam" said I, ''please pardon me,
but you seem to exist Under cloud
She sighed deeply.
"May ask if you are widow?'
"Well, sir, not widow; though don t
live with my husband. "
'Poor soulI' said |.
She put her handkerchief to her mouth,
about half of it went in; of course it was
to stop her emotion.
''You are not happy, madam
''Very far from it, sir. am miserable!"
SO was I-meserableto put my arms around
her neck.
"Where do you reside, madam?'
indianapolis
''Have you friends there?'
MANY, sir"
mo doubt of it. Allow me to ask, do
you love this husband?'
''Devotedly, sir.
''Well, then why don't you live with
him p
"Would be glad of the chance, sirl'
'When did you see him last ?'
81 have never seen him, sir.
Here she again half swallowed her ker
chief
"Never seen him? Why, what do you
mean?
Sir, have you not read of telegraphic
wedding?"
Julius Cesarl" cried [. care you Mrs.
Kate Leary?'
Il am ~
Then fall over here !" And took her
to my bosom convulsively.
As 1 relaxed, she said, Go on, Latimer.
l knew you from your daguerreotypel
1 will not prolong this, but merely re-
mark that Kate is my next to the Great One