A BAD SITUATION.

Evening Star, Issue 4045, 12 February 1876, Page 1 (Supplement)

A BAD SITUATION.

(Detroit Free Press.) It was the second time he had accompanied the young lady home from one of those little social parties which were gotten up to bring fond hearts a step nearer to each other. When they reached the gate she asked him if he wouldn't come in. He said he would, and he followed her into the house. It was a calm still night, and the hour was so late that he had no idea of seeing the old folks. Sarah took his hat, told him to sit down, and she left the room to lay off her things. She was hardly gone before her mother came in, smiled sweetly, and dropping down beside the young man, she said: "I always did say that if a poor but respectable young man fell in love with Sarah he would have my consent. Some mothers would sacrifice their daughter's happiness for riches, but I am not of that class." The young man gave a start of alarm. He didn't know whether he liked Sarah or not, and he hadn't dreamed of such a thing as marriage. "She has acknowledged to me that she loves you," continued . the mother, and whatever is for her happiness iB for mine. The young man gave two starts of alarm this time, and he felt his cheeks grow pale. "I—l haven't "he stammered, when she said, "Oh, never mind. I know you haven't much money, but of course you'll live with me. Well take in boarders, and I'll risk that we'll get along all right." It was a bad situation. He hadn't even looked love at Sarah, and he felt that he ought to undeceive the mother. " I hadn't no idea of—of—" he stammered, when she held up her hands and said, "I know you hadn't, but it's all right. With your wages and what the boarders bring in, we shall get along as snug as bugs in a rug." "But madam, but—but—" «'All that I ask is, that you be good to her," interrupted the mother. "Sarah has a tender heart and a loving nature, and if you should be cross and ugly it would break her down within a week." The young man's eyes stood out like cocoanuts in a show window, and he rose up and tried to say something. He said, "Great heavens ! madam, I can't permit - " "Never mind about the thanks," she interrupted. "I don't believe in long courtship myself, and let me suggest an early day for the marriage. The 11th of September is my birthday, and it would be nice for you to be married on that day " "But—but—but—!" he gasped. "There, there, I don't expect any speech in reply," she laughed. " You and Sarah fix it up tonight, ami I'll advertise for twelve boarders right away. I'll try and be a model mother-in-law. I believe I am good tempered and kind hearted, though I did once follow a young man 200 miles and shoot the top off his head tor agreeing to marry Sarah and then jumping the country." She patted him on the head and sailed out, and now that young man wants advice. He wants to know whether he hail better get in the way of a locomotive or slide off the wharf.