Hard Case No. 1

Observer, Volume 4, Issue 88, 20 May 1882, Page 148

Hard Case No. 1

Mr A., a handsome but impecunious youth of good family, meets in the country Miss 8., an orphan young lady, who is very pretty and charming, but is reputed to have no fortune. A. and B. bejng struck with each other, a warm flirtation springs up, and continues for some time. At length, however, A. frankly tells Missß. that he has no income and cannot therefore marry, and suggests that it will be better to break off their acquaintance. Hereupon Miss B. says, " How much do you think we could lire upon ? Do- you think we could do with £1000 *a year ?" " I should think so indeed," replies A.; "but where is it to come from ?" Miss B. replies, " Don't trouble yourself ; J have £1000 a year, left me by an old uncle, but hitherto I have said nothing about it, and never intended to say anything till I met a man I really loved. You are that man. Will you marry - me?" What should A. do ?

ANSWERS TO HARD CASE No. 1. Refuse. She would only be continually nagging him about it afterwards. — Old Bachelor. Marry her, if he really loves her, as money should be no object in marriage.—S usan. If I were in A.'s position, I should decidedly answer, " I will." — Pasqtjtit. Did the young lady produce documentary evidence to prove that she was ' entitled to the . money ? If so, marry her right off. — K. As both A. and B. seem fond of each other, and as B. really loves A. and offers herself and fortune to him, I think if A. is not a fool he should marry B. I know I would, if I were in the same position. — H.C.H. > Decline' in the noblest terms he can command on the spur of the moment, to be dependent on the fortune oi his wife, and then take the promptest steps to assure himself of the truth of Miss B.s statement. — Paris. Pretend to be magnanimous, self-sacrificing, and all the rest of it, and draw off ; but meantime take the most careful measiires to ascertain beyond doubt whether or not the. statement is true. If it is not, make a show of sacrificing his i eelings and break off the match ; but if it is true, pretend to be heartbroken and dying, in. order to work on her feelings, and that the courting may come from her side. Next time she hints at marriage, tell her his scruples are conquered, jump at the offer, and get married at once. — Cynic.

■He had proposed and been rejected. Bitterly he said.: "No doubt, in the end, you will be marrying some idiot of a fellow." " Excuse me, sir. 'If I meant 'to do that I Bhould have accepted your oifor." Silence.