A GATHERING OF INNOCENTS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8790, 28 May 1890, Page 4

A GATHERING OF INNOCENTS.

A aniqne gathering took place a few months r ago in one of the back State townchips of America. Several fetes in hono of golden and silver .weddings had followed one another in ani^ 1 ' succession, and n number it giddy old bachelors, not to be out of the swim, conceived the idea of giving a ball and banquet, to which aone should be invited but those wbo had passed fifty years or more in single blessedness. Invitations were accordingly issued, a most enjoyable evening resulted, and rnmor hath it that more than ono venerable couple have decided upon joining issue in the near future. One incident occurred, however, which teaded to slightly mar the otherwise complete success of fte "notion." An impetuous, flighty, and fiery old maiden whose presence had been solicited — whose ago for tho past ten years bad fluctuated in a most marvellous manner, between 40 and 45, but who would never own up to a day more than the latter — indignant at being invited, set out in a cold drizzling rain to waylay and chastise tho ''mean old anuke" who had po designedly (to her mind) insulted her. She miesod her game, but returned home with a severe cold, and waa laid up next day with a bad attack of rheumatism. On learning tho occurrence, her wonld-be host hastened to send her an explanation, together wilh a bottle of that fauiouß painconqueror, Et. Jacobs oil, which, as it always doee, bo speedily relieved her sufferings, that in gratefulness of heart Bhe surrendered unconditionally, accepted bis apology and "mirabile dictu," attended the banquet.