AN OLD ROMANCE.

Waipukurau Press, Issue 301, 27 August 1908, Page 7

AN OLD ROMANCE.

An interesting story of an elopement is handed down in the family of Lord Northampton (says “M. A.P.”). A former holder of the title fell in love with the pietty daughter of Sir John Spencer, Lord Mayor of London,' but Sir John was a real father of the old school, and would not countenance his daughter’s suitor. So the latter determined to take matters into his own hands. He disguised himself as a baker’s apprentice, and, going boldly to the home of his ladv-love, he bore her off in triumph in a huge baker’s basket. Sir John met him on the stairs, and failing to recognise him, tipped him sixpence for his punctuality in bringing round the bread. Later on, when he discovered the truth, he vowed that that sixpence should be the last coin of his that Lord Northampton or his daughter should ever see. Time went on, and one day Sir John Spencer received a message from Queen Elizabeth to attend the christening of a new-born babe, whom she hoped he would adopt in place of his disinherited daughter. The old man went, and discovered that the little one was his own grandchild —the daughter of Lord and Lady Northampton. Sir John was so pleased that he became reconciled to the parents, and all ended happily.