Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-08-15

SHELBYvILLE, August 4,-"Do you
see that young lady with a seaside hal
and muslin dress?"
Eyes. know her. She is mar
ricd.
DO you know anything unusual
concerning her marriage, or any sin
gular circumstance connected there
WITH"
mo. | do not"
The young lady referred TO is tall,
with dark hair, brilliant black eyes,
and, altogether handsome. She is yet
young and has been married a few
years, but was before marriage quite q
belle, and the center of a large circle
of male admirers. She belongs to one
of the best families in this county, and
her father is quite well-off, as relates
to this worlds goods. She has several
sisters who are Der juniors, and who
are quite pretty and greatly admired.
The story of her marriage has now
become public property, and from sew.
eral different friends of the family |
have heard it since it was related by
the man who first mentioned the affair
to me. 1t goes as follows:
Several years ago she was wooed by
one of the most substantial and we'll
to do young farmers about here, and
they became engaged. He visited her
regularly, and finally pressed her to
name the day for their marriage. She
declined to do so for some time, but
when he finally urged it with much
earnestness she told him to call on q
certain night following, and when he
entered the parlor to open certain
book which she pointed out; that he
would find a written contract in that
book which she wanted him to sign,
and if he signed it she would then
name the day for their marriage.
He left and on the night appointed
called at her house, and was shown in
the parlor. He sat down and waited
some time, but his betrothed did not
come in. He looked around and saw
the very book she had designated, ly-
on the table near him. He opened it,
and behold there was the contract.
he read it and read it. She had writ
ten it herself, and the requirements
were, that after they were united they
should remain as sweethearts, and
we're to be husband and wife only in
name. She would love, obey, cherish,
etc., but they should have separate
apartments, and she should forever
maiden be" That was in substance
the contents of that contract.
After reading it over a few times to
assure himself that he was not dream
ing, he laid the book aside, and his
afianced soon entered the parlOr. At
ter conversing few minutes, the con-
tract was referred to. She asked him
| if he had signed it. He very indig.
nsntly took up the book and replied
that he had not and never would.
Then throwing it down on the table,
he arose and left the room. The en-
gagement between them was thus
broken off, and was never renewed.
Soon after, she commenced receiv-
ing the attentions Of another young
gentleman, who was considered as sub
stantial and as good a catch as the
former. After a few months they be-
came engaged. He asked her to name
the day, and she declined. When
pressed to do SO few weeks later, she
drew forth the contract which her
other lover refused to sign, and pre-
sented it to this one. Rumor does not
say whether be objected and remon.
strated or not, but it does say he
eventually signed it, and they were
married.
Nearly three years have passed
away since, and the facts and the cir
cumstances lead every body to believe
that the contract has been faithfully
kept. They live in beautiful home,
surrounded with all the Injuries
which the desires of either could
name. Rich meadows and broad fields
stretch far away from every side Of
their lovely home, and comfort is sug
gested by all the surroundings. Fine,
well-fed stock and handsome vehicles
are at their command, and that ease
and comfort which can only be OBJ.
tanned by wealth is seen on every
hand. But no children romp through
that quiet house, and no toys or play
things lay scattered on its soft, vel
yety carpets. ChildhoOd's joyous
laughter and merry prattling are new
er heard there. The smooth lawns
are untrodden by little bare feet, and
the furniture unstained by dirty little
fingers. All is quiet in that house,
for no children belong to it, and the
inference is, that contract has re-
NAMED unbroken.
FoLLE.FARINK.