A Confusion of Responses.

Otago Witness, Issue 2372, 17 August 1899, Page 62

A Confusion of Responses.

If we may believe all reports, strange things sometimes happen at marriage services ; but perhaps there has been nothing more curious than the following. The bridegroom, not being sure of his ability to follow the solemn words accurately during tho ceremony itself, thought it well to learn his part beforehand. Unfortunately, his acquaintance with the Prayer Book bein£ slight, he took in hand the order for the public baptism of infants. Having carefully learnt his responses by heart, he duly appeared before the clergyman with his intended. The important moment arrived when the priest asked : *' Wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife? Wilt thou love her?" etc. Yfith prompt decision the young man responded : "I renounce them all.'' Everyone staro-J with astonishment, not excepting the parson, who exclaimed severely: " Do you consider this solemn ceremony a fit subject and time for jesting, sir?" "All this," said the bridegroom, " I steadfastly believe." "Then 1 think you had better go home, sir," paid the indignant clergyman, " till you are in a proper frame of mind." "That v- my desire," responded the young man, keeping faithfully to the text. An adjournment was necessary, during which it is reported that the bridegroom was soundly rated by tlie bride, and more correctly instructed in the part which he had to play.