A GATHERING OF INNOCENTS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8785, 22 May 1890, Page 4

A GATHERING OF INNOCENTS.

A unique gathering took place a few mfmths r as;o in one of the back State townships of America. Several fetes in hono of golden and Bilver weddings had followed one another in quick succession, and a number of giddy old bachelors, not to be out of the swim, conceived the idea of giving a ball nnd banquet, to which none should be invited but those who had passed fifty yearß or more in single blessedness Invitations were accordingly isßued, a most enjoyable evening resulted, and rumor hath it tbat more than one venerable couple have decided upon joining issue in the near future. One incident occurred, however, which tended to slightly mar the otherwise complete success of tfae "notion." An impetuous, flighty, and fiery old maiden whose presence had been solicited — whose ago for tho past ten years had fluctuated in a most marvellous manner, between 40 and 45, but who would sever own up to a day more than the latter — indignant at being invited, set out in a cold drizzling rain to waylay and chastise* the ''mean old snake" who bad po designedly (to her mind) insulted her. She missed her game, but returned home with a severe cold, and was laid up next day with a bad uttack of rheumatism. On learning the occurrence, her would-be host hastened to Bend her an explanation, together with a bottle of that famous painconqueror, St. Jacobs eil, which, as it always doe?, so speedily relieved her sufferings, tbut in gratefulness of heart she surrendered unconditionally, accepted his apology and "inirabile dictu," attended the banquet.