MARRYING A TWIN

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6890, 22 April 1929, Page 11

MARRYING A TWIN

The woman who marries a twin must expect a' jealous brother-in-law (writes “One Who Has” in the London Daily Mail). After a time, of course, the feeling will wear off, but at the beninning there will be, as 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. Aluch tact and sweet temper are needed at such a time. ... , , When I first became engaged to my twin, wo announced the news to his brother, who had, I think, been fearing it for some time. He heard us in gloomy silence, which damped even our high spirits, and 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 wo were 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 havo been more tactful with him and made greater allowances for his temper. For 24 years he and his twin had b6en inseparable—babyhood together—school- and university together—the same scrapes, the same larks, the same studies,-even the same clothes, k Separation must have been a wrench. He must have been 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 tho face. But, viewing it all now in its properJperspective, softened by time, I think it was a mistake to take him seriously. We should have treated him like a foolish child, and teasod him kindly out of his jealous temper.