AN ABSENT-MINDED BRIDEGROOM.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8746, 21 February 1907, Page 1

AN ABSENT-MINDED BRIDEGROOM.

Nine o’clock on Christmas morning tfas the time fixed for the marriage of an employee of the Brentford District Council. The prospective bride arrived lat St. Paul’s Church, accompanied by I her friends and bridesmaids, dressed in j their best, at 20 minutes to 9. The curate, the Eev. W. H. P. Jeffj coat, had been on duty since 6 o’clock, and, as the bridal party showed signs of impatience, he advised them to sit' I down and wait till the appointed time. | But it appeared the anxiety was due to the non-arrival of the bridegroom. The prospective bride and her friends j watched another couple safely and i happily united in a perfect agony of dread, and then their turn caine. But there was no bridegroom, and the situation was hurriedly explained to the curate and to Mr George Manser, a churchwarden. The members of the party, acting on Mr Manser’s advice, went with all speed to search for the missing man. In the meantime the sobbing young woman was comforted by the curate. _ Arriving at the house of the prospective bridegroom, the search party discovered the astounding fact that he had iorgotten ail about the wedding. He hud gone to work as usual at 6 o’clock, and returned to breakfast shortly alter 9 to find an indignant deputation awaiting him. He was hurried into his wedding garments with lightning speed, and the ceremony was duly performed.