The custom is an ancient one—the relic, perhaps, of a less refined age than the present—and it cannot be considered a very elegant performance. Nevertheless, it generally affords amusement to most persons who witness it.
Ten young women had already stood forward as candidates.
It fell to the sweetheart of each to tie her thumbs for her. If by chance any one of them did not happen to have a sweetheart, one of the young men volunteered to perform the amorous duty; and this was perhaps the prettiest part of the sport.
Sometimes there was a little confusion when a belle happened to possess more than one recognised lover.
They would stand watching her with their sheepish eyes, and she would be compelled to choose once for all which of the two she would keep company with for the future.
When Kitty appeared the girls looked at each other anxiously, for they recognised in her a formidable antagonist.
All the young men made way for Joe Doughty, who went up to her and asked her if he might tie her hands for her.
“As well you as any other,” was the answer.
She exceeded Ashbrook’s expectations, and the forebodings of the other candidates were verified.
Kitty, open-jawed, and as agile as a young leopardess, had soon pounced upon the lamb, and won the prize with her teeth.