New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-12-16

On the day that succeeded Christmas there
were as many as nine couples united IN the
parish church in little port in the west OF
England. And all the males belonged to the
nautical profession. Some were fishermen, and
some had barges that Piled with Bristol or
Cardiff.
The vicar belonged to the old schooI-a school
in which nothing taught and almost Moth
ing done. That which had Of necessity to
be done was performed in perfunctory man
ner
And when on this particular bank holiday
nine couples had to be spliced. the function was
performed en- bloc, and only such parts of the
marriage service distributed to the several
pairs could not possibly be carried out other
wise.
The rite concluded, the little vestry was
packed with the DarsOn, divesting himself the
clerk, brides and bridegrOcms, bridesmaids best
men, and pro tenn. fathers, so that the utmost
confusion prevailed during the making out and
the signing of the registers
The dense mob only broke into articulations
as it discharged itself through the churchyard
gate, when it differentiated itself into pairs with
the r proper satellites and these latter fell into
rear, TO allow the happy couples to exchange
mutual amOrOUs passages.
The first to disentangle themselves from the
crowd were Samuel Lee and his just acquired
wife Floribunda or as she was called for the
sake Of brevity. FlOrry.
Well" said Samuel. wiping his mouth, that's
done
And added FIoribUnfa, "can't be Undone.'
Il hope it's all right" observed the former.
How can it be other" asked the latter. now
that you have got me?
II didn't mean that dear"
Then you should make your meanin' palmer"
Il mean as how there was terrible muddIe
in thickey there vestry. and enc cu'd scarce use
ones arms 1 wish I'd got copy of the lines
What shu'd you require them for?" asked
Florihunda. Them lines can't bind no
faster"
No but it 'ud been more satisfyin'." ex-
planned Sam.
I'm satisfied" observed the lady. and I
reckon that's enough. Now what 'ud the lines
ha' come top
''Eishteen pence. or thereabOut"
Eighteen pence throwed away. wot did you
give the passn and clerk?
Il gave The vicar ten shilIin' and the clerk
five"
That's just seven and six too much"
We'll. / won't do it again.
Il shall take care you shan't And you. sam
wos goin' to chuck away eighteen pence more
That just proves as 'Ow you amt TO be trusted
wi money Give up your purse"
Amt got purse
Then you turn cut your pockets to vance I'll
he your purse in future"
There few sights more piteous than that
OF noble brig that left pert new rugged fresh
painted and in perfect trim. after gale in the
Atlantic that has carried away her masts hat
tered her sides and rent her bulwarks But a
more piteOus object was Samuel Lee four weeks
after marriage, the honeymoon set in murk sit
ting on chair with his head against the wall. i'm
his house. the picture of despOndency firing
ing on despair Yet that house in spick and
span condition. The floor was clean that il
might have been eaten off. and one would have
OF ferred doing to sullying the secured table
white and spotless as new bread trencher The
fender. the irons, the brass the tin. were all
FURNISHED to the utmost brilIianey NOTHING
was to be seen that was rusted or battered save
the owner of the cottage who presented an al
most hOpelessly crushed and wOebegOne appear
ance, seated. already minated in a chair
with his head leaning against the wall
One lunar month had done il.
And yet more dapper, comedy young woman
was hardly to be found than was FIOribunda
Lee She was healthy in color that flushed he,.
smooth cheeks. her hair glossy brown and
her eyes clear a mountain stream Her everI-
movement betOkened yigOr.