Columbus Whig. (Columbus, Miss.) 1843-18??, 1844-04-04
FRENCH COURTSHIP.

A husband and wife have son, one
and-twenly or two-and-twenty years Of
age, whom they wish to see suitably
married, Another husband and wife
have a daughter, somewhat younger,
whom they also wish to see "settled
in life." The former mentions 10
some friend that they wish to see their
son married, naming the sum they
mean TO give him as his portion, and
intimating that they will be happy if
their friend should be able, in few
weeks, to tell them of any of his who
has daughter whom he wishes to see
married, and who can give the same
SUN with her. The parents Of the
young lady make the same communi-
cation to some friend in reference to
her. The friend of the famiIy,in Ell
Their case, then runs over in his own
mind the names of all the families, in
the same station fife, with whom she
is intimate. Eventually the former
meets with some father who is willing
to give his daughter the same amount
as his friends are willing to give with
their son. He commences the nego-
citation by remarking, 81 have friend
who has son, aged so-and-so, who
wishes to see him married, and is will
ing to give him certain sum as his
portion. You have a daughter a few
years younger, Tor of the same age, as
the case may be;) think if you are
disposed to give similar fortune with
your daughter, that very suitable and
mutually advantageous match might be
made between the parties" If the
other agree, which is almost invariably
the case, it is Immediately arrang-
ed that the parent Of the two young
persons, and the young persons Them
selves, shall meet some early evening
at the house of some friend; in order
tina! the young gentleman and lady may
see how they like each other, before
any further steps are taken in the mat
ter. They are both informed of the
object for which they are TO meet, and
are asked to endeaVor to make them
selves as agreeable as possible. They
accordingly meet, and are introduced
to each other as persons whom thei
parents are DESTROYS, if agreeable TO
themselves, of seeing united because
they conceive that the n a oh would
prove conducive to their u ual happi-
ness. A few words pass between
them ola very vague and general char
acter, and not having the slightest ref
erence 10 the circumstances in refer
ence to which they have been brought
together. The company break up, and
the young persons, on their return
home, are respectively asked by their
parents how they like the proposed
''parti?" An answer, intimating their
wilIingnessto enter into the matrimoni-
al state, is usually returned by each.-
The answer of the one is communica-
ted to the other: The young gentle
man then visits the young lady at her
parents house two or three times, but
always in the presence Of her mother
or some elderly female relation. A
day is appointed for the marriage,
which usually takes place in a few
weeks. The bridegroom, for such he
may now virtually be consideIed. must
still observe the greatest Formally tow
ards his intended wife, not even taking
the liberty of giving her kiss as they
part, unless he has previously obtain
ed the consent Of her mamma, or the
matronal relative who has the care OF
her. Paris and Its People.