The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-11-12
REYNOLDS ROMANCE.
REYNOLDS ROMANCE.
In which Two Suitors appear
for a Young Lady.
She Accepts the Attention of
Both Lovers.
Finally takes the Man OF her
Choice.

There is more or, less excitement and
agitation in the social circles of the little
town of Reynolds, ever the rivalry OF two
residents of that township to secure to
themselves d wife The case is said to be
more Interesting from the fact that the as
lpirant Is FOR he hand Of the young lady are
relations OF each ether and the moving
war is thus. made more bitter and severe.
The comnfanity is about evenly divided, as
many espouse the cause of the elder sultor
believing that wealth and home are bet
ter than youth and possible poverty, while
others are loyal to their devotion to the
younger lover, contending that content
ment and happiness are beyond price, and
are far more preferable than wealth and
old age.
THE STORY.
As related of the somewhat novel affair
is substantially as fallows: There resides
in close proximity to the village of Rey-
nolds, well TODD farmer by the name of
Woods W. Johnston who has reached the
ripe and mature age of three score He
has long been dweller of that neighbor-
hood, and has always commanded the re-
spect and esteem of the community.
He was married when quite a
Young man and his wife continued
to make life blessed and home the domes-
tic paradise that is permitted upon this
mundane sphere until a few short months
ago. when she sickened and died. Her
husband, as might naturally be expected,
was sincere in his sorrow at the great be-
reavement. ~.
He, however, felt that his farm must be
managed, and that it would be proper to
secure house-keeper. To this end he Sc
cured the services of very comely and at
tractive young lady named Miss Sarah Ann
Buchaner. The arrangement proved a
perfect success, and all parties appeared to
be generally satisfied. The house was kept
in perfect order, and the domestic duties
generally were performed in that careful
and systematic manner that convinced
every one that the young lady was a house
hold treasure. Into this opinion the old
man naturally fell, and from mere admira-
ton of her many good traits he drifted in
to the conclusion that she was his second
affinity, and he could neither enjoy his re-
naming years upon earth or anticipate the
death struggle if he failed to possess him
self of the pretty and thrifty house-keeper.
TUE STrTT
The old gentleman Immediately COM
menced paying devoted attentions to the
object of his warmed over affections, and
for the nonce was the gayest of the gay
No corn husking was complete without his
presence, while singing schools and church
were places which he constantly attended,
and he took good precaution to arrange
affairs so that he did not ego it alone. p"
The young men were obliged to take back
seats when the old veteran was on the
gave him big advantage over his possibly
and expected rivals.
He however had young nephew named
B. T. Johnston, who also experienced a
consuming passion for the young lady's
hand in marriage, and took advantage of
his relationship to visit his uncle's farm.
He became very sollcitous concerning that
relatives welfare and dropped over every
day or so to ask about his health and to
consult the barometer, or to secure q drink
of water as he was passing by Of course
he managed to converse with the pretty
housekeeper. and circumstances later in the
game warrant the assertion that she was
not totally indifferent to his addresses.
The old gentleman progressed in his
love affair, and if report can be believed,
he proposed and was accepted. In short,
the day was set and preparations were
commenced for the marriage supper.
THE EVENT
was arranged for last evening and the pro-
spective groom came to this city last
Thursday to secure the necessary marriage
license, but for unknown reasons he failed
to secure that permit at the county clerks
office of this county.
During his absence the younger rival
visited the bride-elect, and by the persua-
sive language of which affection is the
master, induced her to elope with him.
This she consented to do, and accordingly
left the house and took shelter in a neigh
boring farmers house until preparations
could be made for the change in her matri-
monial prospects, The old suffer returned
and found out what had been done in his
absence. He Immediately started in search
of his truant sweetheart, and not only
found her, but succeeded in bringing her
back under his roof.
The young man was not of the giving
up kind, as he gained admission to his
elder relatives house and again induced
the young lady to fly with him and become
his wife. The young couple left, and it is
supposed that by this time they are man
and wife.