Harry's Tales: Bethulie
Harry Wroth tells a funny-sad tale in five short paragraphs.
A young lass who taught in Port Elizabeth fell in love with a married man. His employer transferred him to Johannesburg and she would not move in with him until his annulment came through. Nevertheless he faithfully visited her once a month for the first few months after leaving Port Elizabeth.
She came to feel it unfair for him to do all the travelling, so she suggested that they meet half way at Bethulie.
When they arrived at the little hotel, the owner, a small wizened lady, said she had a vacancy. Our "lass in love" enquired what the menu was for supper. "Head and Paws" said the owner, "and Steak and Kidney".
Our lass was deeply shocked at this reply, I mean, visualise head and paws served up on a plate. She was City bred.
The next morning, being Sunday, the love couple attended Mass. He, of course, was Catholic. They celebrated the Mass in the small church and besides the half dozen nuns and priest, the pair were the only celebrants. Our love pair were invited to tea and the excited priest, in this small town, introduced them to the nuns in this fashion, "This is Mr Paul O'Rielly ...and ....and ....his lover!".
