IS MARRIAGE A FAILURE?

Temuka Leader, Issue 2012, 25 February 1890, Page 3

IS MARRIAGE A FAILURE?

"Oh, George ! this is terrible. It will break my heart." " Oh, I think not, Mollis. You'll get over it." " I shall never get over it." " Sorry. But you'll have to. lam engaged to Isabel Jones." " And you intend to break your engagement with me? " " Why, of course," " But what if I institute a suit for breach of promise? " " Tou have no witnesses to prove that we ever were engaged," " And I can't get damages unless I have ? "

" No, little one. I'm sorry, but you should have looked out for that." " Well, good bye." " G-ood-bye. You'll kiss me for the last time ! "

" Yes, George." " Now, since all is over between us, I want to ask you one question." " Certainly, dear." " Don't call me Deab any more. You do not seem to understand."

" No, Ido not: it is hard to realise. But what was the question you wanted to ask ? "

"Oh, yes; Well, I have wondered why you always had this sewing machine in the parlour, and why you always insisted on sitting so close to it when we were saying sweet things to each other. Why was it ? " "That? 'I hat is not a sewing machine." "What is it?" " A phonograph." " A phonograph ! Gracious ! Is it in good order ? " " Yes, in very good order." " And has been every night I have been here ? "

"Indeed it has, darling. Do you want to turn the crank for fun ? "

" No, indeed." (' You have turned him, sotto voce.') " But what a funny girl you are to think I meant what I said just now to tea&e you. I was oaly joking. I am not engaged to Isabel, so we will marry as soon as you like."

"'How nice! Tou are such a dear (kiss), sweet (kiss), good (kiss), honorable darling, I never doubted you."

"Of course Hot, Good - night, precious." " To-morrow night."

" And now, she said to herself as she heard the gate close behind him, " I must not let him find out that the phonograph is out of order, and doesn't record a thing, until after the

wedding. It broke me all up when I found it out the other day; but I think his darling little Mollie got there with both feet to-night. He don't play and Nob racket on her at present."