The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1880-02-19
QaOics' portfolio.
MARRIAGE PROPOSALS.
Every Man has his own way OF
Asking the Important Question,

love in exactly the same way as any othei
two levers. Whether he was right is equal
" beyond proof or d%isproef. Certainly no
question has been put in such a variety u
Ways as the most mOmcntous one a man Can
ask or a woman answer; how 1T is put de-
bending upon time, place, circumstances
and the temperament OF the lhdlVluuais
concerned
A MARRIAGE WITH A GENERoU MOTIVE.
A curious marriage proposal was mace
Inv . reverend bachelor who entered the
matrimonial state on his death bed. When
in bis seventy third year the minister haoa
severe attack of pasalysis, which lett him
80 weak and helpless that, fcelinS MS ehu
was not far distant, he proceeded to set his
.uorklv affairs in order. His parish being
an exceedingly small one, and have been
aa1ways a most liberal man. he had not much
money to leave, which circumstances had
# mt been for one reason, he would not have
minded.
For the last twenty years he had had as
bousekeeper a steady, sensible woman, VINO
had served him honestly, tended him like a
daughter during his illness, ana 1or whom
he had quite a fatheIly regard. 1t was on
Aar account that he mourned his poverty.
~ would have been a matter for thankful-
,nes. could lie have left her as much as
,wauld have supported her comfortably and
respectfully in her old age-she was now
.hnnt forrv-fve. After weighing and con-
siderlno the matter for some weeks I'D every
possible light, a way out OF the difficulty
Suddenly flashed upon him; and knowing
the precarious state OF DIS health, IL IL
so,ved to execute bis purpose at once. He
called his housekeeper, AM when she en-
+ored the room he made her sit down; and
after telling her how anxious and sorrowful
he had been because he had no money to
leave her, he continued
.sOf course YOU are aware that there is a
Ministers Widows Fund. so that if the
husband dies, his wife will have an annuity
during her life. Now, supposing you mar
Nv me. although | am almost at deaths
door. YOU will be amply provided for in the
future. Will you Consent to this Z!
s.Master. dear. YOU must be doting What
would people say
81 was never more serious IN my HE,
Mary and | am sure people Will say we
have both acted wisely in this matter. Take
fill the evening to think II over, ana ther
bring me you answer. =,
In the evening Mary told him she "would
+ote him So ten days after they were
married. and three days later the good ole
man died; but his widow still enjoys hel
share of the 'Winows' Fund"
SOLDIERS PROPOSAL.
A Young officer was dancing a set Of Lam
cer's in q crowded drawlng-rOom with al
extremely pretty girl, to whom he mad
himself most agreeable. Alter the dane
was over, he took her to a chair, and seatin!
himself beside her, began to mourn his cele
bacy. maau chat
said she.
know a girl who would marry me-
She laughed and replied
s.Just 90 and ask some one here to night
and | venture to say you Will be accepte
by the first d..
"Ah l am not so sure about that But
wiu-vou-take me
And a few months later they were ma
zied.
SHE HER MIND.
A bio. good natured doctor was despe
stelv in love with, and had been twice +
fused. bv a fair-haired little woman. b
instead of the disappointment curing b
love, it only made the passion grow mo
intense. After the last refusal, he told h
that if ever she changed her mind to
him know, as his for her was unchangabl
and he would be proud to be her husban
Some months later he was driving hor
from seeing a patient, when he saw
iady-love riding in his direction. Supposi
she would merely bow and pass on, as S
had often done before he, did not pull
his horse. But the moment Miss Dix
came up to him, she relned IN her hor
stopped and called out:
won't you stop, DR.. Hill!'
He raised his hat and replied:
Il shall be happy to do So" then wait
for her to speak.
She was gazing at the ground and blu
ing deeply, but quickly looking up,
filed the doctors honest heart with S
prise and gladness by saying:
CDR. Hill, l have been closely watch
YOU lately, and see nothing but goodn
and noble mindedness in your charac1
and believing you will make an excel
husband [ am willing to marry you
no OBJECTIONS.
Mr.. Smith, coming all the way from A
tralia on the lockout for a wife, sa'
young governess on board a Glasgow ste
er. whom, from her indness and attent