Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1901-12-21
THE cosr or A WEDDING.
isow d Girl Reporter Got the story
From n Minister.


From "a Minister.
An amusing and effective coup at
the expense Of several prominent cler-
symen was executed recently by an
enterprlslng young newspaper woman,
whose tactics, If open to criticism on
other scores, possessed at least the
charm of originality.
Demure and Quaker-like In her cling
ing gray gown and modest toque, she
timidly entered a certain Fifth avenue
study and with downcast eyes ccnhded
to the reverend occupant thereof that
she wished TO be married Oh the 3Oth
of October and might she have his
church?
II can think of nothing to prevent"
replied the clergyman after moments
reflection.
"And would you mind telling me how
much it viii cost?' continued the fair
questioner in still lower tones.
Her host hesitated a moment "Why,
that would depend altogether upon the
elaborateness Of the service. If you
wish to be married quietly in the pres.
ence of a few friends, | will gladly
place the church at your disposal free
Of charge OF course the organist
charges for his services. but perhaps
you do not wish any music"
ooh, yes, indeed, want music.
want a choral service. and there will
be a great many guests"
wouldn't you prefer to have your
fance talk the matter over with me?
"Why, you see," this time with q
tinge Of pathos, che lives In Syracuse,
and he will not be able to come on
until the day of the wedding"
Even a man interrupted at the Gil
max Of what he felt to be one of his
most eloquent sermons could not resist
the appealing glance that accompanied
this remark. Pushing aside the close
~ written sheets with politely conceal
ed regret, the clergyman patiently gave
estimates on the probable cost Of the
service of the organlst and the full
choir" and even discussed with urban
ity such trivial details as lights, avn
ings, opening carriage doors, etc.
1t was finally discovered that SIZE
would provide all these desirable acces
series to the great event, and the pro
spective bride departed, apparently sat
isfed with the result Of her call. The
clergyman resumed his literary labor'
and thought no more Of the episode fol
a week or so when he wondered idly
why he had heard nothing more of thu
approaching ceremony and then dis
missed the affair from his mind.
1t was about a fortnight later tha
the elderly sexton came to him in
state of strong agitation holding a
arms length a copy of we'll known
daily. His trembling forefnger pointed
to some huge headlines, which convey
cd to the reading public the startling
information that it cost $3.50 to be mar
ried on Fifth avenue and then moved
slowly down the column until 1t paused
beneath his pastors name in large
type.
In surprise, no less grieved than thai
of his honest retainer, the estimablt
gentleman read a brilliantly colOred &C
count of how he had looked and wha
he had said on a e. tain half forgotten
occasion. whic.(now would live forevel
in his memory.
Every minister Of the gospel is hu
man, however, and it was undoubtedly
a consolation to this one to perceive
that he had not been the ouly victim
of the clever but INSCRIPTIONS damsel
Names and personalities as dignifed al
his own were expatiated upon in tn
same humorous, not to say frivolous
vein. and If it was written there IL
harsh black and white that he ha'
blushed when asked the usual amour
Of his fee, and that judging from hi
appearance no one would venture Il
offer him less than $50, why, his breth
rem Jared no better.
Pondering upon these things, he a
length possessed his soul in peace; but
though affable to strangers as OF yore
il requires one of unusual tact to oh
tain from him, at a first interview,
ouotable expression of opinion on an,
subject.-New York Mail and Express