The Press., 1889-01-31
tFrederick Langbridge in Lelsrre Hour.)
 \ COUPLE OF DUCKS.

VVea Asss VH DVVAVs A LITTLE WEDDING THAT DID NOT COME OFF. Il think, :" says be, .'I think, my dear You. know, we're often walking, And certain busy people here
 Spend half their time in talking :- .sThey do," she cries, "Q name no names); There watching now, Pm certain Yes, that's their long red nose that flames Between the blind and curtain" 1T think it might be well, you see,
 To be-in fact-united; You wouldn't mind, dear ?'' 'sMind ?' says she No, I should be delighted. 'sBut Tom," she adds ''we won't be rash
 Your appetite's tremendous We ought to have a little cash
 Besides what aunt would send us." ''Well, that would come to half-a-crown:
 He laughs with satisfaction; ''But, here! my pet, let's put it down
 I'll work it by sub( s)traction.' They mount stile, and take their seat,
 With faces sweetly solemn; She thinks, and swings her sandled feet,
 The while he heads the column. .s'It's little shall bring you, dear,"
 She murmurs, sorely smitten; five nothing but my dolls, fear, And half the tabby kitten. sT should be rich"-tis hard to speak
 But Jane goes telling tales 80; They stop my twopence every week
 Because-I-bite my nails sol" He gives her head loving pat
 The showery face grows sunny; My own," he says, "why talk like that?
 We've really heaDS of money. 'sThree shillings in my box today!
 That's not so bad to start with; And when my hens begin to lay,
 There'l be the eggs to part with. My 'lowance is but small, do doubt,
 But still it's quite fixture And then I'm paid when teeth come out,
 And when I take my mixture. "No need for us to make show
 With balls and such pretenses- And making one of two, you know,
 Will much reduce expenses. { We shan't want coal, for sticks will burn But ah there's plates-and knockers And clothes"-''No, dearest, frocks will turn And so will knickerbockers. "Then buns-and shrimps-and humming
 tops
  ''Of course," say s she, "and acid drops
 We shan't want chairs or tables" .'No not at frst-we1l do with stiles;
 But, then, there's jam and custard !- And beef !"-Oh, no, not beef" she smiles ''That runs away with mustard" s'We must have dogs-to eat the fat
 And soap, you know-for shaving And mousetraps" we'll keep a cat ;"-
 "Ah, trust wife for saving! i've cannot keep 8 coach and pair,
 Or live in style precisely; But still, think, with proper care
 We ought to manage nicely" Yes, Tom" she says, with modest charm,
 Her blushes mounting thicker ''Then, darling, if you'll take my arm, We'll go and find the vicar" The gravelled path behold them tread,
 With manly stride and trip-toe; They gain the porch, with roses red,-
 He pulls the bell-en tip toe. Trim Mary bids them, with smile, Be seated in the study; Then enters, in little while, The vicar, round and ruddy. "And so, my dears, you've come to pay A little morning visit? ?'' 'We've come on business, please sir !"-''Eh On business? well, what is it ?" The boy, without restraint or fuss, Says. ''H you do not mind, sir, We want you just to marry us
 Perhaps, you'll be so kind, sir.' The parson stares in mute surprise For full a minute after, Then takes his glasses from his eyes. And shakes with silent laughter. | ''Pm grieved, upon my word, says he "To break such charming plans up But weddings can't take place, you see,
 Till folks have put the banns up." 'What, pretty bride, dissolved in tears :?
 Don't cry, my little treasure If you'll come back-in twenty years 1 I'll marry you with pleasure !n