Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-02-02
surprise can be better imagined than
described.
THE COVETED MARRIAGE LICENSE Oh
TANNED.

GOV MAhklA0E Ll(HN On I'D
TANNED.
The next day Wednesday, Becky,
| accompanied by his intended, rode to
Martlnsburg, in Berkeley County, for
the license, which had been refused at
Winchester, and there met with better
success, McGuire's testimony being
taken as lawful evidence, and a permit
was given by County Clerk G. w. Doll,
authorizing ssLydia Rebecca Payne to
marry Sarah NJ. Hinton. This was an
other step nearer the goal. Becky next
visited a barber, where, forgetting his
| masculine attire, he tried to gather up
his skirts before getting in the chair,
thus giving himself dead away. He
had his hair duly shingled, and did not
know enough TO leave the seat when the
barber had finished. Picking up the
whisk broom the tonsorial artist made
pass at Becky, who not understan-
| ding the game, jumped back, but seeing
the mistake stood up to the work and
manfully underwent the ticklish brush
ing. An enjoyable dinner was taken
at the Continental Hotel, from whence
by messenger note was dispatched to
the Rev. John Landstreet, Pastor of the
Methodist Episcopal Chuech South, and
formerly Chaplain of Confederate Gen.
eral Jeb Stuart's command.
|
PREPARATIONS FOR THE STRANGE
WEDDING.
The note was request for his service
es on the following afternoon at Payne's
Chapel, on the family homestead. The
news spread like fire through Martins
burg and every village for miles
around, and the next afternoon the
chapel had such congregation as it
never had before and never will have
again. Every pew was packed to doub-
lie its capacity; against the walls and
in the aisles people were packed liked
spoons, while clustered around the
outside of the edifice with the thickness
of lies, were hosts of others, less fortu-
nate than the six hundred who had
gained aamittance. The fences ON all
sides far rods were lined with sleighs
and vehicles OF every description. AS
Becky and Miss Hinton neared the
chapel the latter, terrified at the sight
of the crowd, drew back, but was pull
ed forward by Becky, who said they
must go through it, having made the
start.
FEARING INSULTS FOR HIS WIFE,
Becky afterward confessing that he
suppress sed a fear that insults might be
offered his wife. Such was not the case
as everything passed off with the ut
most decorum The crowd melted
away, and the welded pair Went to the
store Becky declining to take an i'm
mediate trip, saying, with firmne SIS, he
would stay at home and face all ques-
tons to better accustom himself TO his
new life.
An ENQUIRER correspondent called,
ut the Payne farm this afternoon, and,
with teeth chattering from the long and
cold drive; entered the store. Behind
the counter stood Becky, who greeted
his visitor with pleasant nod. So
numb was the visitor that he found it
useless t. attempt any conversation.
SO while warming himself he viewed
the N III that he had come all the way
from Cincinnati TO see. Becky presen-
ted the appearance OF II handsome
yOu,!i Of seventeen, with fresh COM
pleXlon, satn-llke in softness. Not a
line or wrinkle was on it. He was
slight in build, with long yet we'll
proportional face. Bright, healthful
eyes lighted up the features, that were
rendered-still more attractive when the
tirmly-set mouth parted in smile, dis
closing even, well-kept teeth. There
was strength of character. too, in the
finely-cut Roman nose. His hair, of a
rich, light brown, was fineness rarely
seen, and suggested from this fact that
il must have caused great trouble from
ENHANCEMENT when worn longer and
loosely at the back. With feminine
taste he wore silk tie Of brilliant
color fancifully tied about his neck.
His hands were large and sinewy, indi-
cative of the work to which they had
been subjected. Mistrust wearing
away, he spoke freely on subjects as ,
they occurred. Once when politics were
mentioned he said he would at the next
election have the pleasure of casting
his first vote and that it would be DEM
ocratic, not only then, but in all future.
Several people dropped in at intervals,
and it was somewhat amusing to hear
them address the male proprietor as
MISE Becky. Once he came from behind |
the counter, and after the manner of
men, raised one booted foot for a rest |
on the edge Of the fuel-box, but the at |
tempt was so awkward as to be funny
The youngest sister, Miss Leila, took |
the visitor out for an inspection Of the |
stock, comprising blooded horses, Cots
wolds, Berkshire hogs, short-horns and |
fancy chickens. She was particularly |
proud OF her thoroughbred bay FLY !
sLottie Ma Belle" superb animal.
Miss Bette, another Of the sisters, was
met by the fortunate correspondent,
whom she charmed by her grace Of man
ner and intelligent conversation. The |
remaining and married sisters living
elsewhere were not seen. 1t was COM
mented on that not member of the |
family save Becky went to the wedding, |
and it is no secret that they keenly re-
greet that Becky did not marry woman |
nearer the level Of his scale. When |
this fact was advanced as a statement |
to Miss Betty, she replied: 1--WE were
disappointed, ii is true. Had Becky |
that is he--waited little while-her l |
mean---his choice might have been diff
erent. She, his-I declare i hardly
know what am saying" remarked the |
poor girl, 81 have had such headache |
all week."
THE BRIDE
Is the daughter of James Hint on, a |
farmer living near Smithfield, a few
miles east of Rest Post-office, ON the