Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 September 1893 — An Uncertain Groom. [ARTICLE]

An Uncertain Groom.

Many characteristics of tho Scotch are aihusingly displayed in a series of stories published in Edinburgh some years ago under tho title of “Scotch Folk.” ’’Have you brought any witnesses?” asked the Rev. Mr. Wood, of Bathgate, of a middle-aged couple who hud come to be married. "No, we ne’er thocht o’ that. Is It necessary?" “Oh, certainly,” said tho minister, “you should have a groomsman and brldosmaid as witnesses." “Wha can we get, Jen, do ye think?” The bride, thus addressed, suggested a female cousin whom tho bridegroom had never seen, and, after consultation a man also was thought of. “Step ye awa’ alang, Jen, an’ ask them, an’ I’ll walk aboot till ye come back." Jen set out as deßlred, and after some time returned with the two friends, tho cousin being a blooming lass considerably younger than the bride. When the parties had been properly arranged and the minister was about to proceed with the ceremony, the bridegroom suddenly said: “Wad ye bide a wee, sir?" “What is it now?” asked the minister. “Weel, I was Just gaun to say that if it wad be the same to you, I wad rather hae thafane,” pointing to the bridesmaid. “That's a most extraordinary statement to make at this stage!” exclaimed the minister. “I’m afraid it’s too late t>D talk of such a thing now.” “Is It?” asked the bridegroom, in a tone of resignation to the Inevitable. “Weel, then, ye maun Just hadg on." It ls not recorded that there was any feeling of elation on the part of the bridesmaid, or of jealousy on the part of the bride, and the ceremony proceeded.