Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1901-12-20
THE COST OF A WEDDING.
How n Girl Reporter Got the Story
From a Minister.


From a Minister.
An amusing and effective coup at
the expense OF several prominent cler-
gymen was executed recently by an
enterprising young newspaper woman,
whose tactics, il 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 confided
to the reverend occupant thereof that
she wished TO be married ON the Both
of October and might she have his
church?
81 can think OF nothing to prevent"
replied the clergyman after moments
reflection.
Sand would you mind telling me how
much 1t will 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. IL you
wish to be married quietly in the pres
ence Of few friends, i 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"
"Oh, yes, indeed. want music.
want choral service. and there will
be great many guests"
wouldn't you prefer to have your
fiance talk the matter over with meY'
"Why. you see," this time with a
tinge OF pathos, "he lives In Syracuse,
and he viii not be able to come on
until the day OF the wedding"
Even q man Interrupted at the cli-
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
ly written sheets with politely conceal
cd regret, the clergyman patiently gave
estimates on the probable cost OF the
service of the organist 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 S125
would provide all these desirable access
sories to the great event, and the pro-
spective bride departed, apparently sat
isfed with the result of her call. The
clergyman resumed his literary labors
and thought no more OF the episode for
week or so when he wondered idly
why he had heard nothing more Of the
approaching ceremony and then dis
missed the affair from his mind.
1t was about n fortnight later that
the elderly sexton came to him In a
state Of strong agitation holding at
arms length n copy of n wen known
daily. His trembling forefnger pointed
to some huge headlines, which convey.
cd to the reading public the startling
information that 1t cost $3.50 to be mar
ried on Fifth avenue and then moved
slowly down the column until Il paused
beneath his pastors name In large
type.
In surprise, no less grieyed than that
OF his honest retainer, the estimable
gentleman read brilliantly colored ac-
count of how he had looked and what
he had said on a certain half forgotten
occasion, which now would live forever
In his memory.
Every minister OF the gospel Is hu-
man, however. and Ii was undoubtedly
a consolation to this one TO perceive
that he had not been the only victim
of the clever but INSCRIPTIONS damsel.
Names and personalities as dfgnIfied as
his own were expatiated upon In the
same humorous, not to say frivolous,
vein, and IL 1t was written there Ia
harsh black and white that he had
blushed when asked the usual amount
OF his fee, and that judging from his
appearance no one would venture TO
offer him less than $50, why, his breth-
rem Jared no better.
Pondering upon these things, he at
length possessed his soul In peace; but,
though affable to strangers as OF yore,
II requires one OF unusual tact to OBJ
tain from him, at first interview, a
quotable expression OF opinion on any
subject-New York Mail and Express.