MARRIAGE FEES

A poor couple who went to the priest to be wedded were met with a demand

for the marriage fee. It was not forth-coming. Both the consenting

parties were rich in love and in their prospects, but destitute of

financial resources. The father was obdurate. "No money, no marriage."



"Give me l'ave, your riverence," said the blushing bride, "to go and get

the money."



It was given, and she sped fort on the delicate mission of raising a

marriage fee out of pure nothing. After a short interval she returned

with the sum of money, and the ceremony was completed to the

satisfaction of all. When the parting was taking place the newly-made

wife seemed a little uneasy.



"Anything on your mind, Catherine?" said the father.



"Well, your riverence, I would like to know if this marriage could not

be spoiled now."



"Certainly not, Catherine. No man can put you asunder."



"Could you not do it yourself, father? Could you not spoil the

marriage?"



"No, no, Catherine. You are past me now. I have nothing more to do with

your marriage."



"That aises me mind," said Catherine, "and God bless your riverence.

There's the ticket for your hat. I picked it up in the lobby and pawned

it."





MANDY--"What foh yo' been goin'to de post-office so reg'lar? Are yo'

corresponding wif some other female?"



RASTUS--"Nope; but since ah been a-readin' in de papers 'bout dese

'conscience funds' ah kind of thought ah might possibly git a lettah

from dat ministah what married us."--_Life_.





The knot was tied; the pair were wed,

And then the smiling bridegroom said

Unto the preacher, "Shall I pay

To you the usual fee today.

Or would you have me wait a year

And give you then a hundred clear,

If I should find the marriage state

As happy as I estimate?"

The preacher lost no time in thought,

To his reply no study brought,

There were no wrinkles on his brow:

Said he, "I'll take three dollars now."