The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-09-20
A REMARKABLE COURTSHIP.

Knoxville, Tennessee.
Prof Foster was educated in the sciences
usually taught in college, but his ignor-
ancs of the common affairs of life rendered
him a remarkable man, furnishing a rare
subject for the study of human nature in
by some of his friends to get married, he,
with child-like faith and simplicity, &C
cepted their advice, and promised to do SO
if he could find young lady willing to
have him. They referred him to a number
of the best young ladies in the city, any
one of whom, they had no doubt, would be
willing to accept his hand and make him
happy. He was one of the most kind
hearted of men, as void of guile as offence,
and an entire stranger to the forms and
ceremonies of modern courtship. He
couldn't sec the necessity of consuming a
year or two in popping the question
"Sally, will you have me?' So he went
that very day to the residence of the near
est young lady who had been commended,
and being welcomed and seated in the fam
lily circle, as he always was wherever
known, he at once made known the object
of his visit by saying in clear and distinct
voice:
"Well, Miss Sarah, my friends have
advised me to get married, recommend you
and number of other young ladies to me
as suitable persons, and have now called
to see if you are willing to marry me-"
Had an earthquake violently shaken the
premises, the household could not have
been more astonished. Like a frightened
roe, Sarah started to run, when her mother
caught her, and said:
"Why, child, don't be frightened, the
Professor won't hurt you"
Being again seated, deep blush sue
ceeded the paleness which had been caused
by the startling announcement, and she
rallied enough to be able to say to the Pro-
fessor that as his proposition was entirely
unexpected, she must have some time to
consider the matter. This he granted, but
said:
GAS am anxious, in case of your refus-
al, to see the other young ladies to-day, l
can wait only one hour for your answer"
knowing the worthiness, sincerity and
simplicity of the Professor, the matron
took her blushing daughter upstairs for
consultation, while the father was left to
entertain his proposed son in-law as best he
could under the novel circumstances. OF
course the discussion of the sudden propo-
sition between Sarah and her mother was
private and cannot be given in full. The
most essential points of it, however, were
told afterward. 1t was readily admitted
that he was entirely worthy of Sarah hand
and heart.
"But, mamma" said Sarah, chow
would it look to other people for me to
have to give an answer in one short hour
only sixty mintes-jump at hasty chance
and to think how my young friends
would Ieer and laugh at me. Wouldn't
they tease me to death? No, ma, can
never face that music"
"But stop, my child, and listen to me.
There is not a yoong lady in the city that
would not jump at the offer made you. Let
them laugh. Girls must have something
to laugh at, but it won't hurt you. Tell
him yes, emphatically. If he were a
stranger whose antecedents were unknown
to us, however prepossessing in person and
manners, or profuse in his professions of
love, 1 would withhold my consent. But
we have long known him, his moral char
acter is without reproach, he is amiable,
hearted and sincere, fine scholar,
with an honorable position in the college,
and he makes no false pretences. You
know Just what he is. What more do you
want?''
"But mamma, l don't know that he loves
me; he hasn't even said 500
"Oh, well, daughter, never mind that.
Generally, those who are LONGEST in their
professions of love have least of the pure
article. You can teach him by example to
love you. 1t is far better than precept."
Leaning her head upon her mothers
bosom, Sarah said, in submissive tone:
"Well, ma, just as you say-I'll tell him
yes; but, although the hour isn't half out,
we'll not go down until the last minute of
the hour"
At the expiration of the fifty -niuth min
ute they returned to the Professor and
papa, Sarah still blushing, but more calm
than before. Then, with firmness that
astonished herself as we'll as her parents,
she extended her hand to the Professor and
said:
eyes, sir, if papa consents"
He gave his consent without hesitancy,
and it was readily agreed by all that the
wedding should take place week from
that time. Then Professor Feste, with his
usual calmness, conscious of having done
his duty, withdrew to report progress to
his friends.
Well, in due time the Professor went to
the clerk for his license. The clerk in
formed him that the law required bond
and security in the sum of $3.50, to be
void on condition that there was no legal
objection to the proposed union of the two
persons named. The Professor promptly
replied: "Oh. never mind, Mr.. Clerk;
will pay $1100 down, and will hand you
the balance in a day or two" After furth-
er explanation by the clerk, the Professor
soon complied with the law and obtained
his license.
At the appointed time the wedding came
off in the best style of the city, and the
company enjoyed the occasion with the
greatest zest. The hours flew like hum
ming birds. AS the clock struck twelve
the Professor picked up his hat and started
to his boarding house. His principal at
tendant, surmising his intention, followed
to the front door and informed him that
matrimonial etiquette required him to
stay and board and lodge at the house Of
his father-in-law until he and his wife wish
ed to live by themselves.
Finally the happy couple went to house
keeping, and never were man and wife
more heartily congratulated or more highly
esteemed than they were. They were the
favorites in the city. Never was wife more