KISSING THE BRIDE.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 591, 11 May 1876, Page 3

KISSING THE BRIDE.

The custom of kissing the bride at a wedding is of great antiquity, and while among the mos 1 ; refined classes it has fallen into disuse, it is still insisted on by many people with great rigor. A very amusing story is told of a Kentucky backwoodsman who had, after a long and ardent courtship of the belle of one of the Kentucky cities, won her for a bride. She had for a long time wavered in her choice, undecided whether to take him or a gentleman of wealth and position in the city, but finally choosing the bumbler lot in obedience to her heart, The wedding was celebrated in great style, and the manly groom was almost as much admired for his colossal proportions and athletic symmetry as was the bride for her exceeding loveliness. Among the guests was the unsuccessful suitor, who was well aware of the jealousy with which the groom had regarded him, but who had overcome his chargin at his failure, and was sincerely anxious to congratulate the bride. One by one the guests offered their good wishes and their hearty kisses, while the groom looked on with approval and delight. At length among the rest came the rejected lover. The young groom watched him keenly, but without the least animosity in his expression. The unfortunate rival felt the delicacy of his position, and not caring to provoke the husband’s ire, he did not proffer the salute which was customary. As he was giving place to others after wishing the newly-married pair well, the groom grasped his arm with his iron fingers, and in a low tone said—” She’s my wife now, and I propose to see that she is treated as well as my wife should be treated. If you don’t kiss her I’ll break every bone in your body.” Rather than quarrel the gentleman kissed the not unwilling bride, and the groom was satisfied.