CATCHING THE CURATE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1111, 21 June 1883, Page 3

CATCHING THE CURATE.

A correspondent informs the Times of a romantic incident which has recently occurred in a prosperous London suburb. A devoted young High Church curate of interesting appearance and great popularity in his district, was waited upon by a young lady of considerable personal attractions, but with an air of melancholy, and clad in a somewhat ascetic garb. After some confusion and the shedding of a few tears she revealed to him that she had ventured to visit him ok a matter deeply affecting her happiness, she feared for life. The curate naturally asked what it might be, but after several attempts to speak, choked by sobs, she informed himdhat the matter was one of such vital importance that she could not impart it except at her own abode, where she adjured him as her spiritual friend, by all he held sacred, to visit her. After some little conversation the rev gentleman promised to do so, and the next day he called at the address given him. Then the young lady, with a look of still deeper dejection and a voice indicative of remorse and shame, revealed to him the fatal secret. She bad conceived a deep, a passionate love for the curate himself. She knew, she said, that her passion was hopeless; he in his devotion to the Church, for which she loved him all the more, had vowed himself to a life of celibacy, and she would resignedly carry her attachment to the grave, which she felt was not far off. But there was one kindness which it was in his power to grant her, the remembrance of which would bring consolation to ,her dark and weary path. Would he, before they parted for ever, give her one kiss % After some timidity and agitation, the young curate, touched with pity, complied. The' lady shed another tear, bade him adieu in a hollow voice, and he departed. A few days afterwards ho received a neat little parcel, gracefully tied with apiece of blue ribbon, and, on opening it, found an instantaneous photograph (cabinet size) of himself kissing the young lady. Accompanying this was a communication from the fair creature herself that there were eleven more copies, and that he might have the whole dozen at £2O a piece. Should he not be in want of them, it was her intention to dispose of them in another quarter. Negotiations on the subject are said to be proceeding.