A GATHERING OF INNOCENTS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8784, 21 May 1890, Page 4

A GATHERING OF INNOCENTS.

A unique gathering took place a few monthß r a^o in one of the back State townships of America. Several fetes in hono ] of golden and silver weddings had followed one another in quick succession, and a number of giddy old bachelors, not to be out of the swirt, conceived the idea of giving a ball and banquet, to which none should be invited but those who had passed fifty years or more in single blessedness. Invitations were accordingly issued, a most enjoyable evening resulteo, aad major hath it that more than one venerable couple have decided upon joining issue in the near future. One incident occurred, however, which teoded to slightly mar the otherwise complete success of tht> "notion." An impetuous, Hi^hty, end fiery old maiden whose presence had been solicited — whose age for the past ten years had fluctuated in a most marvelous manner, between 40 and 45, but who would never own up to a day more tban the latter — indignant at being invited, set out in a cold drizzling rain to waylay and cbastisp the "mean old Bnpke" who had co designedly (to her mind) insulted her. She miesed her game, but returned home with a severe cold, and was laid up H6xt day with a bad attack of rheumatism. On learning tho occurrence, her would-be host hastened to Bend her an explanation, together with a bottle of that famous painconqueror, St. Jacobs oil, which, as it always does, so Bpeedily relieved her sufferings, that in gratefulness of heart she surrendered unconditionally, accepted his apology and "mirabile dictu," attended the banquet.