The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1882-03-09
A Queer Matrimonial Experience,

The Millbank neighborhood is prey
to excitement. One of the prettlest and
most popular bellies of the country finds
herself married without having intend
ed to marry anybody.
This startling event occurred under
the following circumstances-the queer
est of all incidents in the chapter of ac-
cidents.
A picnic party at "Annandale," the
residence of Judge Amman, our popular
county official. A beautiful autumn
lay inspired every heart, and pictur-
esque grove near the mansion had been
selected as the scene of the festivities,
Nothing could be more attractive than
the spectacle presented. The youths
and maidens were seated in groups
under the brilliant foliage; hampers of
edibles were already uncovered under
the shadow of great oak, and the
autumn sunshine lit up gay scarfs and
curls and laces.
Miss Bel Annan-for she was belle
in name as we'll as in reality-was en-
gagged in her customary amusement OF
flirting. She was lovely blonde, and
devoted to the occupation. No one had
ever succeeded in flirting with her. At
twenty-five, if you could believe her
statement, she was heart whole and i'm
pervious.
her foeman on this occasion was
fine yonng fellow called by his intimates
Mel Hay. He was very much in love
with Miss Bel Amman, and everybody
was aware of it. Hence general enjoy
ment of the sallies of the young couple
who We're equally gay.
"You people really ought to be mar
ried |" said satlrical voice behind
them
And, turning round Mr.. Hay saw
friend of his, Mr.. Leftwick, smiling
with grim expression. Mr.. Leftwick
has been a candidate for magistrate,
and the fates seemed unpropitious.
The election had taken place on the day
before, and the returns indicated that
his opponent had been elected by q
clear majority.
"If 1 had only had good luck might
have married you to celebrate this fes'
tive occasion"
Mr.. Hay looked at his fair companion
and smiled.
"Isn't it pity!" he said.
"Yes-it really is too bad p said
Miss Bel, with dangerous glance.
"It would be such a novelty--.a
wedding at a picnic" said Mr.. Hay.
eff agreeable" said Mr.. Leftwick,
81 will perform the ceremony for the
general enjoyment"
At country picnic the extravagant
is the order of the day. The PROPOSE
ton of Mr.. Leftwick had been over
heard by some of his "strayed revel-
ers." They gathered around the group,
besieged Miss Amman and MIR. Hay---
convinced the latter promptly. Then
the former after while; and it was an
nounced TO the company in general
that Mr.. Edward Hay and Miss Isabel
Amman were now about to be married.
In ten minutes the whole gay COM
pany had gathered beneath the oak;
some wild flowers were improvised into
wreath for the bride, and she presented
herself, leaning on Mr.. Hays arm and
modestly holding down her head-noth-
ing could be better.
Mr.. Leltwick, with deep solemnity,
performed his functions to the best of
his memory.
IF anybody can allege aught why
this marriage should not take place."
said Mr.. Leftwick, let him speak or
for ever after hold his peace"
No one spoke.
"Do you, Edward Hay, take this
handsome young person for your we'd
ded wife ?"
With pleasure-I certainly do"
said Mr. Hay.
"And do you, Isabel Amman, take
this unfortunate victim of your charms
for your welded husband ?" said Mr..
Leftwick.
Yes" said Miss Bel AMMAN, looking
down with the appropriate air of
timiditv.
"Then," said Mr.. Leftwick, solemn
ly, "by virtue of the authority vested
in me-or which should have been
vested in meas magistrate of this
county, pronounce you Edward Hay
and you Isabel Amman to be man and
wife! Salute your bride!"
Mr.. Hay seemed willing, but Miss Bel
promptly declined. She was blushing
a little-the whole affair seemed go
very real. A few minutes afterward
her blushes had suddenly disappeared.
An old farmer riding by had called
out:
"Mr. Leftwick, congratulate you |"
"Congratulate me?"
"You are elected a magistrate. The
Russell precinct was not heard from last
night, but the returns are now in. You
are elected by thirty-fve majority"
"Elected |" exclaimed Mr.. Leftwick.
Certainly, you are elecled."
"Well, them" said Mr.. Leftwick,
desperately, "I've celebrated the event
by performing marriage ceremony"
The gay jewellers stood looking at
each other in wild amazement, and Miss
Bel Amman was visibly trembling,