The Western advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1872-1874, 1874-08-08

that airs right in the cOW-hOuse."
Taking advantage of the opportunity,
Mr.. Verdant laid siege to Bridget's heart,
and won from her a consent to their mar
riage.
When the widow returned she was re-
joiccd to hear the good news and aftec-
tionately kissed her daughter.
"She'll be a sad loss to me, sir; but
can't stand in the way of Brldget's hap
pincss."
and when is the job to be inished?"
asked the ardent lover
"Oh, there's no hurry" replied Bridg-
ct.
Just let it be whenever the young man
likes" put in the willy widow. In month
the marriage was celebrated, and, after a
sumptuous repast at Fairview, the happy
pair, accompanied by their friends-all on
the " Irish jaunting- g-car"-drove to pref
ty resort about six miles distant. In the
village inn some pleasant hours were
spent. AS the shades of evening were
gathering the bride and bridegroom bade
the party good-by and drove to Spring.
vale, their future home.
Mr.. Verdants "house- warming" was a
grand affair His friends all believed
that he would receive a large fortune
with his wife, and so they expected great
things. They were not disappointed.
Gallons of JamesOn's best were ordered,
and goodies were provided for the ladies.
A fiddler and piper were engaged, and
in an adjoining barn dancing was the Or
der OF the night. Indeed, the house
warming" at Springvale, like O'Rourke's
wedding,
"Will ne'er be forgot
BY those who were there
Or those who were not"
A round of parties followed, for Mr..
and Mrs. Verdant had busy time of it
responding to the invitations of those
who enjoyed their hospitality at the
"house warming"
At length Mr.. V. had time to think of
practical affairs, and he deemed it pru-
dent to visit his mamma-in-law. Mounting
good horse, he was soon at Fairview,
where he was cordially received and hos
pitably entertained. After some convcr-
sation on general matters, Mr.. " timidly
said:
"You will not think it odd, Mrs. Mac
Sweeny, if I mention the matter of
Bridget's fortune"
"Oh, dear, not at all; Bridget will
just have $50 ($25O), and I am afraid
must ask you to take it in installments."
Mr.. Verdant was speechlcss. He had
married in haste" and now he must re-
pent at leisure. At length he gave strong
expression to his bitter disappointment,
but Mrs. MacSweeny cut his eloquence
short by coolly adding, "pm thinking
now of getting married myself, and Of
course l must mind No. l."
Whether the "installments" were reg
ularly paid cannot say; but few per-
sons were found shedding tears over Mr..
Verdant's failure to find fortune"
By the way, it is not the first time in
Ireland that both cows and sheep have
been borrowed with the object of max
ing favorable impressions; and it is also
customary to borrow china, silver tea
pots, ETC., to give an appearance of re-
spectability to the a-table when enter
tanning young men who are known to be
in search of a wife. Parenthetically, I
may add that COWS, sheep, ETC., are often
borrowed by struggling farmers in order
to make a good show-give an air of
prosperity to the place when the land
agent is expected to visit their farms.
These fortune.huntcrs sometimes drive
hard bargains. Farm is weighed against
farm, house against house, COW against
COW.
A man in the South of Ireland courtcd
fair girl, and at length spoke to her
father on the subject of marriage
What fortune will you give herr"
asked Mr.. Tom Skinf1int.
"She'll have the farm at the mill,
horse, six cows and e100 ($5OO to furnish
house." replied the father
"That's not enough" said Tom.
"Well, not tenpenny piece more will
l give"
Tom saw that he had a firm gentleman
to deal with, and, after thinking over the
matter, he said:
"I1l take her if you throw the litter of
pigs into the bargain"
The ten young grunters were promised
to Tom and the matter was settled.
In the North Of Ireland young man
was accepted as the future husband of
conversation with her father he asked:
"How much will you be able to give
herr"
"The small farm at the crossroads,
e20 ($100), little furniture, and set Of
china"
"C0uld not you give more?"
"No. I have had good deal of afflic-
ton, and Pm not as we'll off as was.
You're getting good wife, however, and
that is better than lands or money"
II know she's good GIRL and I'll take
her; but (glancing round the kitchen)
would like that big pot"
The big pot was thrown in, and in few
weeks the marriage was celebrated.
In Ireland the" go-between' plays an i'm
portant part in matrimonial affairs. Some.
times he is mutual friend; at other
times wandering dealer IN ladies'
clothing or jewelry; and I have known
| the role to be filed by female mendi.
cant. The "go.between" conveys mes.
sages or carries love-letters. Indeed
ministers sometimes try their hands al
matchmaking, and have known some
OF the matches made in this way turn
out very badly.
In the rural districts marriages are re
garded with much interest, and if the
parties newly welded are popular, bon
fires blaze from every eminence, ant
there are other marks of rejoicing. Til.
people turn out in large numbers tt
| manifest their uood foo1inr ood - :;