Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1878-03-28
them from their feet and rendered
conversation somewhat difficult.

them from their feet and rendered
conversation somewhat difficult
"We must hurry up this business"
said Grayson, as Jack arrived. ''Fve
explained it all to Miss Monteith, and
old whats -his-name there in the car
riage and the lady's aunt will be wit
ness"
He removed his scoop-shaped bath
ing hat, and took therefrom q small
book, which he held at arms length
above his head. Jack OWNED his in
tention at once, and seizing Clara's
hand beneath the water, pressed it to
his heart. At that moment huge
wave swept over him, and the entire
party disappeared from view.
dearly beloved" said Grayson,
spluttering, and reading from the
book. which he still held in his hand.
though IL was now reduced nearly to a
pulp, "dearly beloved, we are gather
ed together herein the face of-ttis
company, TO join-together this man
and this woman in holy matrimony." :"
He paused until the next wave
passed. and then proceeded.
'If any man can show just cause
why-they may not lawfully be joined
together (here goes my hat) let him
now speak, or else hereafter forever
hold his peace"
The wild wash of the sea was the
only answer to this challenge, although
Clara's friends on shore were gesticu-
lating violently. They were out of
hearing, however, and Grayson con-
tinued:
John Henry Turner, wilt thou have
this woman 10 be thy welded wife, to
live-tug-gug-gug-"
The Rev. Mr.. Grayson's mouth was
full Of salt water, and the rest Of the
sentence was indistinguishable.
II will !" yelled Jack, leaping into
the air to avoid the next roller that
broke over them.
CLARA Montieth. wilt thou have
this man TO be thy welded husband,
(we'll have to shorten this, for I'm
getting chilly?")
IL will" said Clara.
"Who giveth this woman to be mar
ried TO this mani" asked Grayson,
looking toward the shore, where the
two old gentleman, who had descended
| from their carriage. were ranged with
the maiden aunt along the e.ige of the
water. gesticulating in the most fran
tic manner, like the brigands in the
opera.
You do, ell ?" he said. Then. turn
ing 10 Jack and Clara. he continued :
Then l pronounce you man and wife,
and may"
A monstrous billow struck the Rev.
Grayson in the small of the back, and
launched him upon all fours towards
the beach. When he emerged, Clara
and Jack had disappeared.
keep the book" lie said, handing
1t to Jack. as he and his bride strug-
gled to their feet; 1.-THE marriage GER
tificatc is in it. Now let US make
peace with YOUR father, Miss Montieth,
and your husband that was TO be-"
1t was not a very promising task,
for the former gentleman, who seemed
to have gained an inkling Of what had
been going on. was stamping up and
down the beach in perfect fury. En-
couraged by Grayson presence, how
ever, Jack and Clara knelt before him.
ALLOW me TO present to you Mr.
and Mrs, John Turner" said Mr..
Grayson.
CLARA. 60 70 your bathing house
and dress, this instant" exclaimed the
old gentleman. fiercely. What TOM
foolery is all this, sir, and who the
devil are you?
who the devil am | 2" asked Gray
son.
"Yes, sir. who the devil are you 2
repeated Mr.. Montisth livid with rage.
my name is Grayson. sir, and
have just married your daughter to
Mr.. Turner and | hope he viii. show
more affection for her as a husband
than her father as her parent" rep led
| Grayson, with some warmth.
"Yes, father" said Clara, I'VE are
married. o. father. forgive us, for
love him." and Clara twined her wet
arms around Jacks neck and laid her
head on his shoulder.
Mr.. Montieth was speechless, His
face became purple, white nd red by
turns, and he staggered as if about to
fall. The other old gentleman slapped
him suddenly on the shoulder.
Hang me if | don't like the girls
spirit" he said, land the Young fel.
lows audacity. My boy (turning to
Jack.) l give up my claim to you.
think you've earned it. Now Mon
tieth, make up your mind to make the
best of it. They've outwitt ed YOU, Sc
let them 60 and get on some dry
clothes, and we'll all 60 to my house
to dinner. and the wedding shall come
Off Tomorrow in public. only with a
change OF bridegroom.
Grayson seized the old gentle eman
by the hand. Clara kissed her father
That individual became by degrees
somewhat Modified and all left the
beach together.-N Y. Mercury.
Did any of the men who complain o
wOman's extravaganza, ever watch a pa
tient little body as she caught odd minutes
in which she ripped and sponged and