FOR BETTER OR WORSE.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 317, 1 August 1879, Page 3

FOR BETTER OR WORSE.

[JD_i«tff Free Press.] "The ©3d man Bendigo keeps a pretty sharp eye on his daughter Mary, and many ._, a would be lover has taken a walk after a lew minutes? conversation with the hard hearted parent, The old chap is stuck this time, boj-yevor, and cards are out for a "wedding.- After the lucky young man had been sparking Mary for six months the old gefitieman stepped in as usuahaiid requested a private confab and lea off with— ** "You seem like a nice-young : m"an, and perhaps you aie in love with Mary ?" H Yes,l am" was the honest reply. •' Haven't said anything to her yet, have - yon?" " Well, no;. but I think she reciprocates ray affections. 11 . , " Does, eh ? Well, let me tell you something. Her mother died a lunatic and there's no doubt that Mary inherited her snsanity." 11 I'm willing to take the chances," re- *" plied the lover. " Yes, but you see Mary has a terrible temper. She has twice drawn a knife on toe with intent to commit murder. "Tm used to that—got a sister just like' her," was the answer. " And you should know that I have sworn a solemn oath not to give Mary a cent of my property,'' continued the father * _ t. MX "Well, I'd rather stall poor and build up; there's more romance in it" __ The old man had one mete shot in his carbine and he-said — " Perhaps I ought to tell you that Mary's mother ran away with a butcher and that all her relatives died in the poorhouse. »r These things might be thrown up in after years, and 1 now warn you." "Mr Bendigo," replied the lover," I 'ye heard all this before, and also that you •were on trial for forgery, had to jump Chicago forbigamjr, a year in the State Prison for Oattlestealing. I'm going to marry into your family to give you a decent reputation! There—no "thanks-—good-by 1" * . ♦ Mr Bendigo looked after the young man with his mouth open, and when he could get his ja#B together he said— ' H Some infernal hyena has went and given me away on my dodge."