The Arkansas advocate., 1837-03-24
THE BAcIIEL9R-AND THA NARRIED MAN.
BY1E. M9NoAtE.

Nothing Is more common than to term single gem tlenlan Hho s near the age of fifty san incorrgible bachsior "a gone case, an ifrecainable afcheriten n "a man dead 10 the fasciuatons of beauty" &c Sc We have long suspected that there were exceptions to the general rule, and do eonscientouay believe, that If old bachelors were treated with lttle Christian charity if sunny smile from an arch bua eye was occasionally directed towards ihetn they were greet cd with kind look instead of ia frewa, and cordial welcome instead of cold recognizance, end sn in- different toss o the head if young ladies taking pity the forlon condition of eid bachelor, would deem an act of duty pet them little mere than they do many heart tha nolg resembles the Wiud of the win ter night" would Do soohed and subdaed many an ieiele would be melted many withefed shrub would be ransplanted and flourish n warmer climate.
 had an invitation to spend en evening lately with an old friend in St Marks Place cit Is the auuiyer- sary of my wedding day, and haye always celebrated it,n said he; "we shall have pleasant f6milY party do come, and if you please, bring deHd or two. Vic shall have some music probably dancs.2 He wus merchant. in easy circumstances; enjoyed life dis ereety; living well and within bis income; bospitable in reasoa and occasionally happy 10 friend possess sing good taste and good temper, sound judgment, and love sf rational enjoyment determined to go; and If possible to persuade my old friend and compan ion, Tom Courtney, to accompany me. 1t was ten o'clock when called at his lodgings Tom was en old bachelor of fortune and talent; he had for many years rented parlor and bedroom III which he would sleep and breakfast read write and ride until three and then, ii old times, take lis dinner a the City lo-
 tel, but n latter periods cal tor his maeaTon at Del monico's; canyass back at Sandy Helsh's; or 2 five o'clock dinner with Milford would "aEop in st an early hour on Sanday--for dlle early on that day
 let the maids go to church; aud frequently had tho pleasure 10 tea and toast ia the evening". lie was an admrer of beauty: never railed against niatfiinony and yet never received any encouragement to we'd The ladies all appeared to Ike him. without caring for hin and n old times, when stiffness and fastidona- ness unknown, Tom aaays got bis kiss from the Qisls without fighting for if, in playing foffes and hunt the slipper IIo was man to like, but not to love ]; ha took no pains attract, and the girls considered him an odd card shufled in the pack; and not allow ed to pair off with any mate. Tom out when called and although it was fen o'clock his bed wes not vet made; every thing around looked cold and eomioress the cinders filled he dast-pan, feathers were collected aass under the bed bits of candles were on the mantle piece broken vine glass or two; here coat; there wastcoat; night cap, not of castlian wilderness, lay easy chair, which was covered with old diray; slippers lay in q corner;
 tooth brush and har brush q small mahogany stand; half the wardrobe stood open. Every thiHg denoted single wretchedness seFaWled billet with ny pen. cI, informing him that at dusk, shoad expect 10 find him al home and left the roo not even alarming that faithful record of celibacy. old who doztag near the fender.
 found him punctuaily to the hour. dressed rather more gay than usual, and in excellent spirits Me were soon at s. Eark's place, and cordially re- eeived by my friend and usherod inio the wel-ghted handsomely fnrnshed and most comfortable drawing rooms. We were soon surrounded by groups of ladies' and gentlemen: tea was handed aroahd and eonYersa- ton became lively and entertaining. Tom tried several lirnas to shuttle ont of the e; and cast an anxious look in the corner hoping o make retreat to the whist table, when little scene occurred which fixed and created ordinary nteregs to his mind Tho lady and gentleman of ihe hcaae, most unlashion ably some would say, seated together the sofa when the door opcaed, and fine le fellow, nsaily dressed, about nine years of age, with opon manly countenapcs, entered ths room; he followed by decately formed handsome hoy, If about seyen, and chubby fal-aced fellow with golden hair, ef i've and
 nurse, having ltlle girl h her arms, of hewching sweetness and beauty. wha presented her nsolher with rich boauet Of fowsrs-th- boys had each sorrs r- fling gt for bsir father, and each repaid .h m