WINNING A WIFE AT CARDS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2296, 12 August 1881, Page 3

WINNING A WIFE AT CARDS.

[“ Bethlehem Times.”'] ( When Hazleton was was first settled and ' laid out as a town of the middle coal field, a | number of young men used to congregate in j some of the shanties in Crystal Bidge and play oards for such stakes as railroads, mines, j mills, horses, and pretty women. On one occasion the boarders were playing forty-five for the servant girl, a blooming maid, whoso name was Biddy McGee. Biddy was, of j course, unconscious of the fact that her fate f hung on a pack of cards, and was at the time washing dishes in the house, when a loud guffaw caused her to run into the shanty. “Phat’s the matter wid yees now?” eaid ebe, and in jiffy Charley McGinnis jumped to his feet and exclaimed—“ Biddy, begorro, I won you this minnit, and bate Tom Brannigan.” “Did ye?” “Troth, I did and pbat do you think iv it?” “Sure, I think you got a prize, Charley.” “Are you in earnest, Biddy?” "Of course I am.” ‘‘Well, would you marry me?” “Xu troth I would, Charley.” The next day there was a wedding, and Charley and his wife, who are still living, will never forgot the game of fortyfive played on the borders in the shanty at Crystal Bidge twenty-six years ago.