American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1874-08-08
IRISH COURTSHIPS AND WE'D.
DINGS,

1h1Sh SOOh L SHlA . AMI ED
DINGS.
THE arrows of Cupid fly thick and fast
in Ireland and the heart of Pat seems to
be especially vulnerable. According tc
Il popular ballad, an Irishman
--loves all that is lovely
Loves AL that he cam:
and it is, therefore, not wonderful that
the love-god persuades so many of the
sons of the sod" somewhat too early in
life to find their way to the altar OF
Hymen- Many young men in the land
of the shillelah and the shamrock mar.
ry before they are out of their teens
and when they are not at all in posi-
ton to commence housekeeping.
So you want to be married." said the
Rev. Mr.. NJ to Peter Kinsella.
Deed and that's just it, your river
ence"
What age are you, Peter."
Just eighteen past, sir
cure too young. Peter"
''Sure every day I'm growing older
your reverence, and it's never too soon to
do right
How much are you able to earns"
Not as much as l would like, sir
only los. week-but l hope things will
mend
Why, man, you couldn't keep house
on los. week"
We'll, sir. Kitty is riUin' to try
Further expostulation was useless, and
in due time the willing Kitty became
Mrs. Kinsella.
In few years the sweet prattle of
children's voices was heard in Peters
cottage. After the labors of the day, as
he sat before his turf-fire with a child on
each knee, and his darling Kitty sewing
by his side, he used to say he was as
happy king" If those who have the
notion that when Poverty comes in at
the door Love flies out at the window"
would pay visit to the sons and daugh-
tiers of toll in Ireland, they would find
how false is the saying just quoted.
True, the toiler is badly paid; but he
has contentment-a priceless boon; and
he generally enjoys good health-another
ipestimable blessing. And yet it would
ave been better if Peter had waited
little longer before he took upon himself
matrimonial responsibilities. The Irish
are, however, marrying race, and no
matter how poor they may be they like
to have home of their own
According to custom, Peter mad to give
house warming''-that is, he had to
treat his relations and neighbors to tea
and whisky-punch. The services of
fiddler were secured, and, with
song and dance, the hours glided
swiftly by. Peter sang his favorite
song, did you ever hear tell of
Kate kearney:" Mrs X was pressed to
sing, but she said she was all through
other" and, under the circumstances, she
was excused The nights entertainment
cost something. and Mr.. Kinsella was IA
very poor man; but the custom of the
country must be observed
There is a good deal of what has been
termed "fortune-hunting' in Ireland; of
course there are myriads who
Marry for love
And work Tor siIler:-'
but there also are "a considerable num-
Der who like to get the siller" without
working; in other words, they set their
hearts upon marrying Il wealthy wife
They keep this object constantly before
them, and when they hear that a young
lady at Ballymac-murphy will likely
have a "Iarge fortune" off they start
with the object of getting introduced to
the favored fair one. Sometimes these
fortune-hunters are greatly disappointed
One man had prowled through three or
four counties in search of wealthy
wife. He was informed that Widow
MacSweeny's daughter would have
stockingful of sovereigns,"
acquainted with sweet Miss Macs. He
was invited to Fairview, and was cor
daily received by the widow, who talked
about bank books, railway shares and
stock in such a way that he imagined he |
had at last accomplished his object AL |
ready the g fortune" seemed in his Dos
session. On his second visit he was taken |
round the farm, and his attention was
particularly called to the large number
of cows and sheep in the meadows Now,
as a faithful historian, l must record the /
fact that the stock in the field with the /
exception of three COWS and two sheep /
had been borrowed from obliging neigh |
bors who were anxious to assist the wild |
ow in securing husband for her daugh |
ter. Mrs. Macs. enlarged upon the high |
prices given for young cattle, and gave "a
glowing account of the sums realized |
yearly by this part of her operations /
alone. When they reached the house de |
canters and glasses were-on the table in
the room, and the widow, with her own |
hands, prepared for Mr.. Verdant IA rous-
ing glass of punch In short time he
was induced to drink another to my
daughters health and "a good husband to
her" Miss Macs. blushed, of course,
and was about to leave the room she
was, however, restrained by her mother,
who said: Don't be so backward,
dear"
oh, mamma"
She's the best girl in the country, sir:
a treasure to her mother, and it will be
well for the man that gets her.
10y tiio tiiht tit iliupT-tnaI cause oil
50 much ill-was telling on Mr. Verdant,
and golden visions were passing before
his eyes.
The widow left the room Just to see
that alls right in the cOwhouse"
Taking advantage of the opportunity,
Mr.. Verdant laid siege to Bridgets heart,
and won from her IL consent to their mar
riage-
When the widow returned she was re
fnico1 tn boar tho mood ppws and aUns !
tionately kissed her daughter.
She'll be sad loss to me, sir; but |
can't stand in the way of Budgets hap
piness-"
And when is the job TO be finished?'
asked the ardent lover.
oh there's no hurry" replied Bridg
ct.