Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1889-11-28
MARRIED At SIGHT.

l was then young mldshipman
and enjoyed the leave on shore in a
foreign port with boyish delight.
There were six in our mess, and we
managed to get shore leave so as 10 De
together when it was possible to do so.
This was the case one fine Sunday in
the month Of December, as mild and
summer like in the south of France as
a New England May day.
The singular experience of one of
our number l have often told since
about the mess table or camp FIRE, but
have never put it into print.
We were strolllng on the square
known as LIE Cours ST. Louis, sort of
permanent flower market, where the
women sit enthronsd d in tent like stalls
of wood, ercircled by their bright,
beautiful and fragrant wares, while
the manner of arranging the stalls, so
that the vender sits raised some six
feet in the air. gave a novel effect to
the scene.
While we were idling away the
hour in LIE Cours St. Louis, with these
roguish and pretty flower venders, we
ware all thrown into state of amaze
ment and curiosity by the appearance
of young girl of about II, who
rushed among US with a startling
speed, and who, hardly pausing to re-
gain her breath, said in excellent En-
glish:
you are Americans, and, l trust,
gentlemen. Is there one among you
who will marry me?'
we will marry you, was the in.
slant response, accompanied by hearty
laughter.
'Ah, you are in sport, but I am in
earnest. Who will marry mel?
There seemed to be no joke after
all. The girl was positively in ear
nest and looked at one and all Of us
as coolly, yet earnestly, as possible.
Here, Harry, said one who was
rather leader among US, and address
ing Harry, you want wife, and he
gave our comrade slight push toward
the girl.
For some singular reason Harry
took the matter much more in earnest
than the rest of us, and regarded the
newcomer with most searching but
respectful glance. Approaching her
he said:
L do not know exactly what you
mean, but l can understand by your
expression of face that you are quite
in earnest. Will you take my arm
and let US walk to one side?'
Yes; but have no time to lose.
And taking his arm they walked away
together
We looked upon the affair as some
well prepared joke, but were little
annoyed at the non.appearance of
Harry at our rendezvous on the quay.
Our leave expired at sunset, and we
dared not wait for him, as Capt. D.
was a thorough disciplinarian, and we
didn't care to provoke him and thus
endanger our next Sundays leave.
On board we went, therefore, leav-
ing Harry on shore. When we re-
ported the question was, of course,
asked where midshipman B was,
to which query we could return no
proper answer, as we really did not
know. He knew perfectly we'll that
we must all be at the boat landing
just before sunset.
Harry did not make his appearance
until the next day at nooon, when he
pulled to the ship in shore boat. and,
coming on board, reported at once to
the captain, who stood upon the quar-
ter deck, and asked the privilege Of a
private interview.
The circumstances connected with
the absence of Harry were very pe-
culiar and as he was one of the most
correct fellows on board, his request
was granted by the captain, who re-
tired to his cabin, followed by the de-
linquent After remaining with the
commander for nearly an hour, he
came out and joined US.
what is the upshot of 1t, Harry?'
we asked.
Well, lads, I'm married that's all.
'Marrie1?' asked the mess, in one
voice.
Tied for lifep was the answer
Hard and fast?'
'Irrevocably.'
TO that little craft you scudded
away with?'
Exactly. AS good and pure girl
as ever hved,' said Harry, earnestly
'W-h-e-w!' whispered one and all.
How did Old Neptune let you off,
we all eagerly enquired-that being
the name the captain went by on
board. FLU
He is hard on me, said Harry, SER
. iousiy. What do you think he de-
mands, lads?'
Can't say, what is it?'
If don't resign he will send me
home in disgrace. That's his ultima
tum.'
fW-h.e.wD again from all hands.
Harry told us his story in desul