FOR BETTER OR WORSE.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1107, 29 July 1879, Page 3

FOR BETTER OR WORSE.

The old mau Bendigo keeps a pretty sharp look out on his daughter Mary, and many a would-be lover has taken a walk after a few minutes' conversation with the hard-hearted parent. The old man is stuck tbis tim*, and cards out for a wedding. Aft,er tho lucky young man had been sparking Mary for six months, the old gentleman stepped in as nsual, requested a privato confab and led off with—- ' You seem like a nice young man, and perhaps you are in love with Mary V 1 Yes, I am,' was the honest reply. ' Haven't said anything to her yet, have you ?.' ' Well, no; but I think slit reciprocates my affections.' < Does, eh ? ' Well, let me tell you something. Her mother died a lunatic, and there's no doubt that Mary inherited her insanity.' ' I'm willing, to take the chances,' replied the lover. ' Yes ; but you see Mary has a terrible temper. She has twice drawn a knife on me with intent to commit murder.' ' I'm' used to that—got a sister just like her,' was the answer. * And you should know that I have sworn a solemn oath not to give Mary a cent of my pioperty,' continued the father. ' Well, Pd rather start in poor and build up; there's more romance In it.' The old man had one more shot in his carbine, and he said—- ' Perhaps I ought to tell you that Mary's mother ran away from home with a butcher, and that ail her relatives died in the poor-house. These things miorht be thrown up in after years, and I now warn you.' Mr ' Bendigo,' replied the lover, ' I've heard all these things before, and also that you were on trial for forgery, had [to ju'mp Chicago for bigamy, and served a year in the State prison for cattle-stealing. I'm going to marry into your family to give you a decent reputation i There —no thanks—good-by !' Mr Bendigo looked after the young man with his mouth open, and when he could get his jaws together he said—

' Some infernal hyena has went and given me away on my dodge.' —' Detroit Free Press.'