MARRYING A TWIN

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 June 1929, Page 7

MARRYING A TWIN

The woman who marries a twin must expect a jealous brothor-in-law (writes “One Who Has” in the London Daily Mail). After a time, of course, the feeling will wear off, but at the beginning there will be, us a rule, jealousy and resentment, for there is a peculiar bond in twinship—something above and beyond the ordinary tie of brotherhood—an indescribable sympathy and understanding. Perhaps it is natural that a wife should be regarded as a sort of interloper. Twins are accustomed to stand first in each other’s affections. Then suddenly an unknown girl is enthroned in .the heart of one twin, and the other brother is deposed, It is hard, and if one is naturally jealous it is harder still. Much tact and sweet temper are needed at such a time. When I first became engaged to my twin we announced the news to his brother, who had, I think, been fearing it for some time. He heard ns in gloomy silence, which damped even our high spirits, ami then, with a muttered word of approval, stalked out of the room. He did not speak to me again for a week, which was rather embarrassing, as we wore all staying in the. same house, and during the whole of my engagement, and the first few months of marriage, he showed his dislike very plainly. In looking back I think I might have been more tacthil with him and made greater allowances for his temper. For 24 years he and his twin had been inseparable babyhood together—school and university together—tlit? same scrapes, the same larks, the same studios, even the same clothes. Separation must have been a wrench. He must, have boon lonely. Of course, our marriage caused a greater separation than it need have done owing to his dislike of me. Naturally, my husband resented it, and I’m afraid I did, too, so it kept him out of our home. Jealous people are very shortsighted. They mostly cut off the nose to spite the face. But, viewing it all now in its proper perspective, softened by time, I think it was a mistake to take him seriously. We should have - treated him like a foolish child, and teased him kindly out of his jealous temper.