KEEPING COMPANY.

Bruce Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 1755, 4 June 1886, Page 6

KEEPING COMPANY.

Among the working classes the affianced couple " keep company " for years j probably thia unsettled state of affairs imparts a flavour to life which it would otherwise lack. As an omnibua conductor observed, with reference to a bottle of cold tea, " It makes aummat to look forward to." During the term of probation which precedes marriage, Chloe assumes a haughty and over-bearing demeanour, while Strephon is hardly allowed to call his soul his own. When the lovers take their walks abroad he is silent and pensive ; Chloe on the other hand, is extremely demonstrative. Her arms eucircle his waist, and even at times hia neck. Should Strephon, however, be more than usually phlegmatic, she strives to rouse him to a sense of his duty by a series of coquettish displays of temper. " You might hask me to take a glass of port wine, or somethink ; I made a very poor breakfast," reproachfully exclaimed a gentle maiden, as she guided the footsteps of her wavering swain in the direction of Jack Straw's Castle, one fine Bank Holiday, when Hampstead Heath was crowded with pleasure-seekers. And there was a look in her eye which boded ill for that youug man if he proved recalcitrant. Farther oc a bashful and timid

youth was making himself agreeable after his manner to two girls, the elder of whom evidently considered him as her property. After some brilliant witticisms on his part, tho younger sister playfully remarked, " You keep him in order Maria, for I can't."