READY OR WILLING.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3537, 27 April 1880, Page 2

READY OR WILLING.

Being in a confidential mood the other evening, Lawyer Pleadwell was induced to tell why he didn't marry young Miss Tenderheart, to whom he had formerly paid attention.

" Well: " he began, " one Sunday evening I called upon her with the intention of bringing things to a focus. I hrid thought of nothing else fqr a week, till my mind had got into such a state, of - agitation that I scarcely knew what I was ~ about. We were dieting opposite each other, talking on casual matters, when I suddenly bracrd up, and looking Mary in . the eye (rather sternly, I suspect), said I, . ' Now,,answer rue-without equivocation-? mind, you're on oath—tell me, whether or not, to the best of your knowledge aad belief, you are ready and willing to become Mrs Pleadwell!' Well, gentlemen, she showed a spirit I had little suspected, and which thoroughly awakened me to an appreciation of the fool I had made of myself. Mary was on her feet in ah instant, raised herself to her fall height— she had never seemed so tall before and with, ' Mr Pleadwell, when I am riadf and.wt#M# I will send you word, sir!' she flounced out of the room. And I -well, I thought I'd be going. Now, gentlemen, this is not to toe repeated,' added Plead, well, half-repenting his burst of confidence. &11 promised not to tell, and that is how we heard of it.