LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3201, 24 April 1911, Page 5

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT.

SEPTUGENAR lAN’S PROPOSAL

TO A WIDOW OF FIFTY

Amusing evidence was given at Chester Assizes on March "in a breach of promise case in which the parties were weil on in years. Plaintiff was Frances Tayior( a widow of fift- of Gwersyllt, and defendant, Richard Evans, retired engine-driver, of Brymibo, North Wales. In the end the jury awarded tlie widow £ls damages.

Mrs Taylor said that in May, 1909, Evans went to lodge with her. Two hours after he arrived at her house he asked her to imarry him, and she said that it was too sudden and that she would think it over. Evans produced a bank-book to show that he was “no fraud.” Finally, she 'consented, and Evans brought her several presents, including a set of false teeth,. for which he paid five -uineas, and a rin^ In November Evans became very cold, and when questioned he said lie was not ;croin<f to marry her. Eater on lie told one of Mrs Tailor’s friends that her temper was so bad that he wouldn’t marrv her. In cross-examination, Mrs Taylor said it was a cash' of love at first sight. She denied that Evans had remonstrated with her for her conduct with another lodger. “Did he ever complain of your conduct? she was asked. “No ; only of the house being draughty,” replied the widow, amid laughter. " “I was not the green-eyed monster, but the ventilator,” remarked Mrs Taylor’s counsel. Evans admitted 1 having proposed marriage to Mrs Taylor, but she* said it was too soon after her second husband s death. He did not ask. her again, as he saw too much of her “naughty tricks.” On one occasion be alleged she was so intoxicated that she tried to light the -candle at the* wrong end, and when he remonstraed with her she called him a miserable old devil,and told him* to clear out . He would nob marry her now even if she would keep him. Re admitted, buying a ring for her, and she tried it on. * . , “Did you buy it for her thinking she would marry yoxi P” asked the judge. “I bought it thinking that day that, she would,” was the reply.