The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-03-30
A Municipal Nosegay.

A Municipal Nosegay.
A royal visit was promised to Mistbo~
rough, aud when the notification to that
effect reached the mayor, he summoned the
town council to deliberate IN the usual way
on the sort of festivities that should be pro-
vided. The occasion of the royal visit was
to be the unveiling Of statue erected to
Alderman Nobuddy, departed worthy of
the town, and the council soon agreed to
furnish banquet, procession with volun-
tcer bands, an address Oh illuminated vel
lum, Spd some speeches. Then came the
question of gifts. A large album full of
Photographic views of Mistborough seemed
the most appropriate present; and, Of
course, there would have to be bouquet.
But who should tender this last offering2
MIR. Mayor Whceker happened to be the
only unmarried member of the corporation,
wherefore Alderman Gabbs, who was a
facetious fellow and the father of three
buxom daughters, said jestingly: ''I vote
that Wheeker be appointed to select the
prettiest girl in Marlborough, and she shall
give the bookey."
II don't see what prettiest has to do with
such a matter" demonstrated Alderman
Scrufile, virtuous but morose person, who
was the father of four plain virgins.
"Wel, Whecker shall select the ugliest
girl in the town then," said the funny
Alderman Gabbs, and he winked, laughing
at all his brother councillors, one of whom
suggested, however, that his worships
choice be not limited to damsels. 'Let
us give Wheeker carte blanche" said he
'if he pitches upon q pretty or an ugly
married woman, rather than upon girl let
him have his own way. He is fine judge
Of the sex, is Wheeher."
s'What makes you think that, Puttison2"
asked the Mayor mildly, for he was a pla-
cid sort of a man, who had no very keen
eye for jokes.
"Why, because you've remained SINGLE"
responded Puttisou, amid general merri-
ment.
''Oh, but they say, Wheeker is bit
sweet on the young woman who sits behind
the counter at Jamme's the pastry cooks"
replied Alderman Gabbs with new wink.
'sWhat's her name, Wheekera Out with
1t she's too pretty to be ashamed Of"
II really don't know what you mcan."
said poor Wheeker, reddenlng up to the
ridge of his ears
''Oh, we mean Daisy Belfast, who mods
to you every time you pass up High street,"
said Puttison greatly enjoying the mayors
discontinue. "Why Whecker, I've seen
you eating bath-buns at Jamme's shop at
least three times within the past week, and
we know you cant bear pastry, for you
never eat any when you dine with one>of
u.s."
Unfortunately for Mr.. Wheeker, it soon
got to be known in tire town that he had
been deputed to act as an arbiter pulchcra-
rum; and many ladies, both single and
married, began to pay their courts to him
with view to being selected for presenting
the bouquet. Mr.. Whecker soon began to
think that 1t would be more prudent to
offer twenty nosegays to the Royal Princess
instead of onc In order that nobody might
be offended; but his opinion was not
shared by the town council. The mayor
was exhorted with pertinacity, half-se-
rious, half-comical, to do his duty in choos-
ing the tittest; and he failed to get any as
sistance from his brother councillors, for
each of them, being married, felt some de-
licacy III recommending lady from inside
his family circle or outside of it.
There was another roar at this, and Mr..
Whee]xer looked as guilty as tonl-cat who
had been caught near cream jug. But,
In sum, this mayor was such a good fel-
low that his brethren wore 10th to press
their jokes too hard on him. Every man,
except the morose Scruffle, slapped him, on
the back In passing out, and bade him do
his best In selecting a young lady who
should do honor to Mistborough. MIR.
Wheeker groaned inwardly, for he much
dslked this task, which laid upon'him a
larger responsibility than he ever cared
to assume spontaneously In his public or
private relations. If he could have fur
tiyelV voted aa t0 who was tha5 51Oyeliest re-.
preventative of girlhood in Marlborough, he
would certainly have given his suffrage to-
Miss Daisy Belfast; but after this unseemly
jesting about the girlahe did not dare. Be-
sides, Mr.. Wheeker had not yet madeslup
his mind as to- whether he would care to
marry Miss Belfast, and he was also by no
means sure Of thai. young lady's sentiments
towards himself.. 5ss Z.
il tho midst Of these perplexitiea Mr..
s Wheeker was one Sunday accosted, as he
was coming out Of church, by Mrs.. Bull
berry, tho comely wife of Colonel Burberry,
g retired military Tartar. This lady was
Just past the prime, Of lfe-say thirty-flye
land very viyaclous, and the more eager
TO assert her fascnatlOns, as her looking lass
told her they wereson the wane. Rustling
through the porch, where Mr.. Wheeker
was triding In llis; scarlet robe and prcced-
ed by his mace bearer (for the mayor used
TO 80 to. church IN state on the first Sunday
OF each month";, Mrs. Burberry said, with
a.smile which h,sbowed. all her;pretty teeth
{. well, Mi. u have you chosen your
I I Queen Of Beauty yet r. ,s4 . !, s,s
81 q almost think r see her before me- y
answered MIR. Wheeker, stammering d
cl,lmsy compliment 70 Mra. SBsil berry, with