The Panola Star

Quite different, but not less satisfactory, was the first osculatory experience of Dominie Brown. He had reached the mature age of five-and-forty without ever having taken part in this pleasant labial exercise. One of his deacons had a very charming daughter, and for a year or two the Dominie had found it very pleasant to call upon her three or four times a week. In fact, all the neighbors said he was "courting" her, and very likely he was, though he had not the remotest suspicion of it himself.

One Monday evening he was sitting as usual by her, when a sudden idea popped into his head.

"Miss Mary," said he, "I've known you a long time, and I never thought of such a thing before: but now I would like you to give me a kiss. Will you?"

"Well, Mr. Brown," replied she arching her lips in a tempting way. "if you think it would not be wrong. I have no objections."

"Let us ask a blessing first." said the good man, closing his eyes and folding his hands.

"For what we are about to receive, the Lord make us thankful."

The chaste salute was then given and warmly returned.

"Oh Mary, that was good!" cried the Dominie, electrified by a new sensation. "Let us have another and then return thanks."

Mary did not refuse, and when the operation had been repeated the Dominie ejaculated in a transport of joy:

"For the creature comforts which we have now enjoyed the Lord be praised, and may they be sanctified to our temporal and eternal good."

History says that the fervent petition of the honest Dominie was duly answered; for in less than a month Mary became Mrs. Brown.