Daily Republican. [volume] ([Wilmington, Del.]) 1874-1890, 1886-09-25
A CURIOUS COuRTsHIP.

Gus Andrew McNaD, unmarried and
alone. He was pastor of numerous
flock. 1t was one day decided by the
elders of the kirk that he ought to get
married.
After recovering from his surprise
the good man assented on condition
that the elders choose a wife for him.
They gravely decided that the 1.-TWO
Jameson lassies" were fitted to be par
sons wives. and so they recommended
that Mr.. McNab make his choice be-
tween them.
Accordingly Mr.. McNab next day
took his umbrella and went TO the house
Of the Jamiesons. He soon was stand
ing in the presence of the elder daugh-
ter.
MADAM" he said to her, IT have
been recommended by my kirk session
to seek wife; they also advised me to
ask you if you would marry me.
have come this morning desiring to
know your mind. Have you any OBJ
jectionsY"
"Indeed, Mr.. McNab," said she,
blushing and bridling, 81 am surprised
that gentleman of your discernment
should ask such question in such a
manner. I have but one answer
there can be but one answer, assure
you. If | had any desire to change
my condition with a most lady
like simper] / could have done
30, my dear Mr.. McNab,
long ago-at least, that is to say,
many, many times. l have no wish,
really, to-to change my name with
more simpers], even for your sake. l
am very, very sorry, dear Mr.. McNab.
/ cannot bear to make q fellow crea-
ture suffer as you will suffer. You
must try to forgive and forget me-"
''Then," said the imperturbable
McNab, 81 am to understand that you
decline. Very good. Will you oblige
me by sending your sister down"
Now, Miss Jameson was 80 elated
by what had transpired that she trip
ped up stairs as much excited as girl
Of Is answering her first love letter,
and burst in upon her sister breathless,
exclaiming;
''Maggy Ami Maggy Ann! I've
had an offer OF marriage. Think OF
thatl Pm very sorry for him but l
really couldn't, you know. In our
position | thought it best not, you
know. He will get over it; time will
help him, poor, poor mani | refused
him, Maggy Ann, refused him!'
And Miss Maggy Ann saw triumph
in her sisters eye.
sis Mr.. McNab still down stairs?"
she said, suavely.
''Oh, ye., forgot. He asked to see
you. Call Jemima, for, of course, he
wants to have worship before he goes.
You run down, dear; / can't for a
minute or two until collect myself.
l feel quite upset. Scenes like this
have always disturbed me-"
And Miss Maggy Ann did run down
with nimble foot. Mr.. McNab was
still standing, and as the lady advanced
toward him he used the same formula
as before: my kirk session." etc., 10
which Maggy Ann responded grace
fully.
'Dear Mr.. McNab, l have long
valued your administrations, and am
happy to devote myself to your future
well-being"
"Well, will you kindly name the
day?'
Monday next" 1t was then Sat-
urday.
GOOD morning."
In the meantime Miss Jameson hav-
ing recovered her composure, and I'M
feigningly thinking that Mr.. McNab
desired to have worship before leaving.
came down stairs and, coming toward
the parlor door, overheard the most
important part of the dialogue recorded
above. Again greatly surprised, this
time her astonishment was mingled
modification. She silently slipped into
an adjoining room, and. gazing out of
the window mournfully watched the
departing figure of Andrew McNab,
while her sister returned to her domes-
tic duties, SO singularly interrupted.
AS Miss Isabel gazed in bitterness of
spirit who should enter her horizon but
the subject Of her thoughts, Mr.. Nc
Nab himself, Fastening to the door.
Before he could knock she stood before
him to learn the reason of his return.
"Pardon me-" said he, "but l did
not ask the lady's-your sister's-first
name, to call the bans, you know.
What name, If you please?"
"lsabel-Isabel JAMESON" was her
prompt reply, in one of those happy
inspirations that aid us once in lite
time; or, as she explained afterwards.
in utter bewilderment at her SISTERS
treachery. 4
"Thank you;" and the good marl
hurried away again, repeating dill.
gently to himself as he went: ''Isael
Jameson, Isabel JAMESON" est
there should be any mistake onthe
morrow.
But who can picture Miss Mggy
AIMS discontinue to hear that name
cried three times in church. j vain
she rose to protest; in vain me en-
deavored to undo the mischie and ex-
plain the mistake-the fiat iad gone
forth in vain she made the ian OF her
choice understand the situsion. i
"Ahi" said he slowly, then you
are not Isabel; it doe.n' make any
difference, does itp asare you it is
all one to me; the thin is done, be- /
Sides" IL
Miss Maggy Ann exAtriated herself.
She emigrated to Auselia, and when ,
last heard from she hi been married {
to a wealthy suuatf, who took her q