POSTPONED!

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18589, 27 December 1934, Page 10

POSTPONED!

CHRISTMAS EVE WEDDING

A STORY OF POPLAR

“TT was ton-fifty on, a wild and cheerless. Saturday night. Mv household had already retired’ to rest,-and .1, having duly forec'astbd the work of'the niorrbw, aiid’Tinally disposed of sermon preparation, With a quiet inind contemplated going to bed,” writes the Rev. W. H. Lax, in '“Adventure in Poplar. ” “My .thought-reading dog had risen from his,improvised' bed on the study sofa, .and was shaking himself preparatory ,to loading the wav to the-kitchen where he would spend the- night. ‘Boy.’s’ alert expression ■ and low growl told me that somebody was about. A rapid; almost enthusiastic assault on the doorknocker confirmed the warning. Sty eh light'-Heartedness" at tliqt hour was unusual. . 1 w,0.0/Kucd "who' the optimist might be. ... “He came in, the smile spreading, the teeth showing a shade more prominently, while a nervous cough indicated that niv visitor was bursting with business.

“ Leading the way into my Sanctum I mutely pointed to a chair. “ ‘lt’s a lovely night, sir,’ piped a tliih voice, that, slipped .between these radiant teeth.

“Rather depressingly, 1 murmured that I lmd not thought it such a very beautiful evening.

“Undismayed, he proceeded’ to discourse upon topics that held the attention of the public at-the time. I listened. He treated me to a veritable spate, of speech. While he lived in space, apparently his mental range was infinite.

“Rather unkindly, I took out my watch, ominously holding it before me, and keeping my eyes fixed upon the moving hands. Meanwhile, the rain dropped from his dripping clothes to the carpet. “ ‘Sorry, sir,' he beamed. ‘I really came to see you about, being married.' “‘Oh!’ I ejaculated,, mechanically taking my diary from my pocket. ‘What date?' inquired my questioning eye. “ ‘December, twenty-fourth, sir; the day before Christmas Day,’’ volunteered the prospective groom. “‘Who is the fortunate lady?’ I inquired. , ’ “The name was mentioned. 1 knew her well. • .

“ ‘She’s a glorious girl, sir—a regular angel! ’ '. . ' “‘Splendid!’ 1 cried', ‘She will make a very good wife. ’ “ ‘l’ut it there, sir! ’ said the happy man, extending a wet but appreciative' hand. ‘She says she won’t be married bv anvbodv but you, sir,’ he went on.

“1 inclined’m.v head at the implied compliment. ■..■■■ “ ‘The time?’ I asked.

“That was fixed,

“ ‘Now, sir,’ lie ventured, ‘could wc have the organ? And' floweis? Wc want the ceremony to be nice.’ “ ‘By all means; ’ ; “ ‘Before 1 go, sir,’ ho stammered, ‘ I—I —should: like to k.npw what the wedding will—cost. ’ ' ‘ “ ‘By ail means,’ I replied, ‘n very proper question. Let me see,’ 1 queried, ‘you both live in the same parish?’ ' ‘•‘ ‘ Yes. ’ ..

“.‘Then the registrar’s certificate will cost you three shillings instead or Six.’ , : : ' :

“At this his Aberdonian eve gleamed. “ ‘I also must charge you two and sevenpencc for. the marriage lines,’ I mentioned apologetically. ‘ ‘ ‘ Ye—cs.'

“ ‘And, of course, you would like to give the caretaker a shilling for opening the-doors, and sweeping up the confetti!’ I added.

“'That —will be— —V he drawled. “ ‘That will he six and sevenpenec', ’ ] declared, with the definiteness of Euclid.

, “ ‘But! —but! —’ he moaned, “I’ve only got four and sixpence!’ “ ‘Well,’ I suggested,'with soothing voice, ‘hadn’t you better wait a little while, and save a few pounds?’ , ‘ “Ilis face wore a blank expression. There was no word quite adequate, to the situation. He . picked’ his cap from the floor and made for the door. “Outside, the' rain still fell heavily. He looked up at the unpropitious elements., . “ ‘lt’s, a miserable night, sir,’ he said, as he stepped into the darkness.’’