The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-07-31
A Singular COurtship.
HOW GUILELEss PROFESSOR PROPOSED
AND WAS ACCEPTED IN AN HOUR.

A correspondent of the Indianapolis Herald
tells the following anecdote of professor who
filled with much ability one of the chairs of
the faculty of'the college in Knoxville, Tenn:
Professor Foster was well educated in the
sciences usually taught in college, but his ig-
norance of the common affairs of life rendered
him remarkable man, furnishing rare sub
| ject for the study of human nature in one of
| its multiform phases. Being advised by some
of his friends to get married, he, with childlike
faith and simplicity, accepted their advice, and
promised to do so, if he could find young
lady willing to have him. They referred him
to number of the best young ladies in the
city, and 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 of offense,
and an entire stranger to the forms of any
ceremonies of modern courtship. He couldn't
see the necessity of consuming year or two
in popping the question: ''Sally, will you
have me?" So he went, that very day, to
the residence of the nearest young lady who
had been commended, and, being welcomed
and seated in the family circle as he always
was, wherever known, he at once made
known the object of his visit by saying, in a
clear and distinct voice:
"Well, Miss Sarah, my friends have advised
me to get married, recommend you and
number of other young ladies 10 me as suit
able persons, and l 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 Pro-
fessor won't hurt you."
Being again seated, a deep blush succeeded
the paleness which had been caused by the
startling announcement, and she rallied
enough to be able to say to the Professor 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 refu sal,
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 flushing daughter up stairs for consulta-
ton, while the father was left to entertain his
proposed son-in-law as best he could under
the novel circumstances. Of course the dis
Sarah and her mother was private, and can
not be given in tul. The most essential
points of it, however, were told afterward.
1t was readily admitted that he was entirely
worthy of Sarah's hand and heart.
"But, mamma" said Sarah, show would
it look to other people for me to give an an
swer in one short hour-only sixty minutes
jump at hasty chance-and to think how I
my young friends would jeer and laugh at me!
Wouldn't they tease me to death? No, ma:
l can never face that music"
'.But stop, my child, and listen to me- !
There is not young lady in the city that |
would not jump at the offer made to you. Let |
them laugh. Girls must have something to |
laugh at, but it won't hurt you. Tell him |
yes, emphaticaly! If he were a stranger |
whose antecedents were unknown to us, how
ever prepossessing in person and manners, or |
rrofuse in his professions of love, l would |
withhold my consent. But we have long |
known him his moral character is without |
reproach; he is amiable. kind-hearted, and |
sincere, fine scholar, with an honorable po- ]
sition in the college, and he makes no false
pretences. You know just what he is. What
more do you want?''
"But, mamma, don't know that he loves
me; he hasn't even said So"
"Oh, well, daughter, never mind that.
Generally those who are loudest in the pro-
fessions 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 bead upon her mothers bosom,
Sarah said in submissive tone:
"Well, ma, just as you say-Tll tell him |
yes but, although the hour isn't half out,
we'll not go down until the last minute Oh 1ne
hour"