THE PRESENTS OF A LOVER.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XVI, Issue 2393, 25 February 1889, Page 4

THE PRESENTS OF A LOVER.

Gentlemen who are lnred to generosity in their - amorous moods would do well to display a little more judiciousness in their selection of articles with which to express their affection for the gentle fair one. According to the ruling of Mr 4'Eyncourt, at the Westminster Police Court, there are some presents which practically amount to an offer of marriage. Teatrays, crockery, sancepans, and fireirons are of this category, the presumption being that as they are not meant for the* adornment of a lady's person, they must, if necessity, be received as delicate, though practical hints that the giver is desirous that he and the recipient should test their qualities together. From the evidence adduced in the case in question it would seem that Mr "Walter Burgess so intended his offering of domestic utensils at the time he laid them before the shrine of Miss Florence Podger. Subsequently, however,, that young lady took the fullest advantage of the privilege conceded by custom to her fickle sex and changed her mind. In Mr Burgesss' own pathetic words, "she took on another young man," whereupon the lover whose sentimentality had disguised itself in utilitarian form, demanded the return of his contributions towards the Lares and Penates. Miss Podger declined to accede to this request, probably thinking that his affections were all that a reasonable man could expect to be returned under the circumstances. Mr d'Eyncourt thought otherwise, and succeeded in obtaining for the discarded lover the useful and economical proofs of his former devotion. It was elicited by the magistrate's clerk that " the other young man Tf had not yet arrived at the "declaration stage," although his attentions gave Miss Podger a hope that he meant to reach that destination shortly. It would be too dreadful if the loss, of these aids to comfortable house-keeping "has the effect of cooling his affection. But men are notoriously unreliable under these conditions. He, however, assured the Bench that his intentions were honourable and matrimonial. Gould this burst of confidence be used as evidence against him it? a breach of premise case, at any future time, when he should tire of the "undowered" Florence? This is a point upon which " the other young man "■' ought to satisfy himself without delay.