Rensselaer Union, Volume 10, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 February 1878 — A “Jolly Joke” Turns Out to be a Somewhat Serious Matter. [ARTICLE]

A “Jolly Joke” Turns Out to be a Somewhat Serious Matter.

Tbe good people In La Veto and vicinity nave been considerably exercised of late over a triple wedding which occurred at that place last Sunday night, under most peculiar circumstances. Messrs. F. D. McHolland and E. A. Palmer, and another gentleman whose name has not yet reached Denver, wore calling on thnee young ladies, named respectively Kate Lewis, Addie Patterson and Laura Patterson. The conversation ranged upon the general topics of the day for a short time, but the six gradually paired off, Mr. MoHolland and Miss Lewis occupying one part of the room, Mr. Palmer and Miss Patterson another, and the third gentleman and Miss Laura Patterson still another. All proceeded merrily. Mr. McHolland gradually warmed up to his subject, and at last exclaimed, during a brief general conversation: “ Wouldn’t it be nice for all of us to be married P” “Wouldn’t it, now?” said one of the ladies. “ Just the thing!” said another gentleman. “ Splendid!” said another lady. “I’m In for it!” said another gentleman. “Put’er tliar, old pard!” said his riend. “ Well, now, this is really growing interesting,” said one of the ladies. “ I suppose we’ll be married before morning?” “Yes,” responded the first speaker; •“ married, and well of it.” “Shall I go for the doctor?” asked one of the gentleman. Chorus—“ Yes; make no delay. Let no dust stick to the bottom of your soles. It’s a desperate case.” And off he went. “Ain’t this fun, though?” queried one girl, as the interested messenger was seen to turn the corner. “ The jolliest game!” said the second. The messenger flew with the speed of Mercury himself. W. A. Toflelmire was the “ doctor” before whom he laid the case. Now, Mr. Toffelmiro is a Justice of the Peace, fully authorized by law to solemnize the rite of matrimony. He was at his house waiting for something to turn up. No delay was necessary. He went immediately to the place where he was told that his services were required. No license is necessary for marriage in this State. He called the young parties into the middle of the parlor floor. With a few words solemnly spoken and in due form of law, he pronounced the words that made three of six, and united forever the destinies of these Adventurous couples. f After the ceremony was performed, one of the ladies declared that she had never been a party “to such a jolly joke in all her horn days.” “Joke!” exclaimed the Judge. “Joke! If you think you’ll find this a joke, you are very much mistaken. You’re tied as tight as Haman when he was hung.” No joke! Horrors! What a time for faints! Blank looks took - the place of joyous countenances. The pulses of the young ladies fell below zero from the boiling point in an instant They had not intended to be married, hnt they were. It was a joke, and such a joke as others might laugh at more than those most directly interested. The ladies were young and had not dreamed of matrimony. Beside, it is said that one of them was engaged to a young man who has been digging away in the San Juan mines for the last year, with the hope of getting money enough to set up housekeeping. But what is to be done? Divorce is the only alternative. The nrarried people have not lived together. It is understood that proceedings will at once be commenced to obtain the papers that will set them free again. What plea will he urged cannot be stated, but in the present condition of the minds of the young ladies, there is no doubt that that of incompatibility of temper would prove a good one. Mr. McHolland is Deputy-Sheriff of Huerfano County; Mr. Palmer is Agent for the -Denver & Rio Grande Railroad at La Veta, and the other gentleman is connected with a saw-mill. The ladies reside at La Veta. — Denver (Col.) Tribune. ___