A ROMANTIC STORY.

Patea Mail, Volume I, Issue 102, 1 April 1876, Page 3

A ROMANTIC STORY.

The following story is from the Auckland “ Evening Star.” :

A well-to-do settler of Taranaki called a short time since upon Mr Haunaford, and inquired for a housekeeper, but not meeting one at liberty of quiet habits and middle-aged, the said settler, Mr J , intimated his intention of putting a matrimonial advertisement in the “ Evening Star,” as his experience had taught him that it was next to impossible to keep for any length of time a marriageable servant maid. While he was deliberating on on the best thing to do, he came to the conclusion that there was no peace for him as a single man. On Saturday last he called at the same fruit shop in Queen-street, and while indulging ill a lew hue poaches, he exclaimed, “ It’s no use, Hannaford ; I ant resulted to wed.” At this moment a young woman inquired for a situation. “ Just in time,’ said the active match-maker, and put the right hand of the young woman of 22 into the right hand of the Taranaki man of 60; ‘ My dear,’ said the aged lover, 1 Adam' was lonely in Eden, until Heaven sent him the beautiful Eve, whom Milton has immortalised. I am alone in my solitary homestead at Taranaki without an Efe j' mf latfds

arc fruitful, my orchards are full ol golden fruit, and J have hundreds, yea, thousands in the banks ;, will you share it by becoming an old man s bride ? the woman encouraged by a sly wink and a nod from the successful matrimonialis'L blushed consent. She took bis arnv, and, by the advice of. Thomas Browim, they went to Pnlmaii’s photographic rooms and sat together like youthful lovers, and a pair of splendid portraits was the result. On Wednesday last thwaa^rc presontatives of spring am! summe?' tyre happily yoked by the accommodating Air Waylaml, theregisIrar, whose sacred office is situated over the Police Court, and where the indissollnble knot was permanently tied. “ How could you • said the bride’s sister. ‘ Never mind, said the blushing bride, ‘bettor an old man's darling than a young man’s slave.”