Brief ceremony.
--When old Squire Crane was first elevated to the dignity of Justice of the Peace, down in Southwestern Missouri, he knew less of law and legal forms than he did about killing "bars" It was my fortune to be a witness of the first marriage ceremony the old fellow ever undertook. The young couple stood up in the Squire's office, and the happy bridegroom desired the functionary to "propel"--to which impatient request be acceded, by inquiring:"Miss Susan Roots, do you love that arman?"
"Nothing shorter," responded Miss Roots in a subdued laugh.
"And you, John Kenan, do you allow for to take Sue for better and worse?"
"Sartin as shooting, Squire," earnestly responded the enamored John, chucking Sue under the chin.
"Then, you both individually, collectively, now promise to love, honor and obey each other, without end?"
A satisfactory reply was given.
"If that 'ar be the case," continued the magistrate, "know all men by these presents, that this 'ere twain aforesaid is hereby made bone of one bone, and flesh of one flesh; and furthermore may the Lord have mercy on your sould Amen"
I left the office with the conviction strongly impressed upon my mind that the Squire, although not particularly posted up in marriage forms, had a very good general idea of legal forms and ceremonies.
