Smyrna times., 1873-09-24
MiSceIIU ID e D IL s .
A Queer Courtship.

A correspondent of the indianapolis Herald
| tells the following anecdote of Prof Foster
who filled with much ability one OF the chairs
of the Faculty of the College in Knoxville
| Tennessee:
| Professor Foster was educated in sciences
usually taught in college, but his ignorance of
the common affairs OF life rendered him a
narkabe man, furnishing a rare subject for the
study OF human nature IN one OF Its multltOrm
phases. Being advised by some of his friends
to get married, he, with child-llke 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, any one of
whom, they thought might be willing to ac-
cept his hand and make him happy. lie 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 see the necessity of consuming
year or two in popping the question, Sally,
will YOU have me Z" 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 know, he ut 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. and have recommended
=
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 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 deep blush succeeded
IL ~ I,noca ubiob had haan o.uCod hy ba
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:
LAS am anxious, in case of your refusal,
to see the other young ladies to day, | can wait
only one hour for your answer.
; Knowing the worthiness, sincerity and sim.
t plicity of the Professor, the matron took her
blushing daughter up stairs for consultation,
J wnlie the father was left to entertain his pro-
posed son-inlaw as best he could under tie
i novel circumstances
& OF course the discussion Of the sudden pro
: position between Sarah and her mother was
: private and cannot be given in full The mOs
essential points of it, however, were told af
= terward. 1t was readily admitted that he was
d entirely worthy of Sarah's hand and heart.
y But mamma, said Sarah, "how would
J. an answer in one short hour-only sixty min
d utes-jump at a ha>ty chance-and to thinl
4, how my young friends would jeer and laugh a
me- Wouldnt they tease me to deathH No
ma, CAP never face that music.
!: But stop, my child and listen to me
K There is not a young lady in the city tina
% would not jump at the offer made you. LIE
D. them laugh. Gires must have something t
u: laugh at, but it won't hurt you. Tell him yes
.l.s. ll., lo h.,
er antecedents we're unknown to US, however pre-
possessing in person and manners, or protus
in his professions Of love, l would withhold
cd my consent But we have long known him
Of his moral character is without reproach he
at amiable, kind hearted and sincere, a I'm
e scholar, with an honorable position in the co.
II; lege, and he makes no false pretences. Yo
nt know just what he is. What more do yO
cd want2"
ed "But, mamma, don't know that he love
is, me; he hasn't even said SO.
Mr er "Oh, well, daughter, never mind that
d. Generally, those that are loudest in their pre-
al fessions of love have least of the pure article
aIg You can teach him by example to love you
nE 1t is far better than precept."
1s, 1s, Leaning her head UPON her mothers bosom
K Sarah said, in submissive tone:
er "Well, ma, just as you say-I'H tell hiI
Gu yes but, although the hour is not half Out
m hour"
he At the expiration Of the ffty-ninth minut
d. they returned to the Professor and papi
ers GS Sarah still blushing, but more calm than be
on on FORE Then with a frmness that astonishe
be herself as well as her parents she extended he
gil ,iE hand TO the Professor, and said
~ Yes, sir, if papa consents. -
vi He gave his consent without hesitancy, an
@a s9 it was readily agreed by all that the weddin
old should take place week from that time
~ Of Then Professor Foster, with his usual caln
wi wi ness, conscious of having done his duty, will
ihe drew to report progress to his frieRds.
oDf bSr Well, in due time, the Professor went I
ne the clerk for his license. The clerk informe
err; ere him that the law required bond and 81
SS Ss curity in the sum of $3.50, to be void on col
dition that there was no legal objection to tn
md md proposed union of the TWO persons named
a., The Professor very promptly replied, Oh
ind never mind the bond, Mr.. Clerk; | will pa
'n' $llOO down, and will hand you the balance
roy a day or two After further explanation
5 Of the clerk, the Professor soon complied wit
the law and obtained his license.