Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 72, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 May 1899 — A Bride In a Basket. [ARTICLE]

A Bride In a Basket.

The story runs that Lord Compton fell In love with the only child of Sir John Spencer, one of the most opulent of London’s merchant princes, proverbially known at the time as “Rich Spencer.” Sir John by no means approved of the advances of the young courtier, and positively refused his consent to the marriage; the course of true love, however, never running smooth, Lord Compton devised a plan to outwit Sir John and carry off his lady love. A bribe to the baker enabled him to disguise himself and deliver the loaves one morning; as soon as the basket was emptied the lady got in, and Lord Compton was boldly carrying his precious load downstairs when he was met by Sir John, who, luckily not recognizing him, gave him a sixpence as a reward for being so early, observing that that was the way to thrive. On discovering the truth Sir John was so angry that he disinherited his daughter, and the quarrel was only made up through the Intervention of Queen Elizabeth, who invited him to stand sponsor With her for a child, whom he promised to adopt—to find It was his own grandson.—Pall Mall Gazette.