Year: 1873

A correspondent of the Indianapolis
Herald tells The following anecdote of
Prof. Foster, who filed with much abili-
ty one of the chairs of the faculty Of
the college in Knoxville, Tenn.


Prof. Foster was we'll educated in the
sciences usually taught in colleges, but
his ignorance of the common affairs of
life rendered him remarkable man,
furnishing rare subject for the study
of human nature in one of its multiform
phases. Being advised by some of his
friends to get married, he, with child
like faith and simplicity, accepted their
advice, and promised to do so if he could
find young lady willing to have him,
They referred him 10 number of the
best young ladies in the city, any one Of
whom, they had no doubt, would be will
ing to accept his hand and make him
happy. He was one Of the most kind
hearted of men, as void of guile as of
offense, aud an entire stranger to the
forms and ceremonies Of modern court
ship. He couldn't see the necessity of
consuming year or two in popping the
question, Sally, will you have me ?"
SO he went that day to the residence of
the nearest young lady who had been
commended, and being welcomed and
seated in the family circle, as he always
was wherever known, he at once made
known the object Of his visit by saying
in clear and distinct voice:


Well, Miss Sarah, my friends have
advised me to get married; they COM
mend you and a number of other young
ladies to me as suitable persons, and |
have now called to see if you are willing
to marry me-"


Had an earthquake violently shaken
the premises the household could not
have been more astonished. Like a
frightened roe Sarah started to run,
when her mother caught her and said +:


Why, child, don't be frightened,
the professor won't hurt you"


Being again seated, deep blush sue
ceeded the palepe which had been
caused by the startling announcement,
and she rallied enough to be able to say
to the professor that as his proposition
was entirely unexpected, she must have
some time to consider the matter This
was granted. but be said:


As I am anxious, in case of your
refusal, to see the other young ladies to-
day, can wait only one hour for your
answer"


Knowing the worthiness, sincerity and
simplicity of the professor, the matron
took her blushing daughter up stairs for
consultation, while the father was left to
entertain his proposed son,iD-law as best
he could under the novel circumstances,
OF course the discussion of the sudden
proposition, between Sarah and her
mother, was private, and cannot be Civ.
eu in full. The most essential points of
it, however, were told afterward. It was
readily admitted that he was entirely
worthy of Sarah's hand and heart.


But, mamma" said Sarah, how
would it look to other people for me 10
have to give an answer in one short
hour-only sixty minutes-jump at a
hasty chance and TO think how my
young friends would jeer and laugh at
me. Wouldn't they tease me to death
No, ma, I can never face the music"


"But stop, my child and listen to me,
There is not a young lady in the city that
not would jump at the offer made you,
Let them laugh. Girls must have some.
thing to laugh at, but it wont hurt you.
Tell him yes, emphatically. If he was
stranger whose antecedents were un.
known to US, however progressing in
person and manners, and proiuse in the
professions of love, would Withhold my
my consent. But we have long known
him, his moral character is without re-
proach, he is amiable, kind hearted and
sincere, fine scholar, with an honorable
position in the college, and be makes nc
false pretenses. You know just what be
is. What more do you want ?"


But, mamma, don't know that he
loves me; be hasn't even said sc"


"Oh, well, daughter, never mind that
Generally those who are loudest in theil
professions of love have least of tbs
pure article You can teach him by ex
ample to love you. 1t is far better thar
precept."


Leaning her head upon her mothers
bosom, Sarah said in submissive tone


"Well ma, just as you say-Ill tel
him yes but, although the hour isn't
half out, we'll not 60 down until tbs
last minute of the hour"


At the expiration of the ffty-ninti
minute, they returned to the professdi
and papa, Sarah still blushiog, but NOR
calm than before. Then with firmnes