Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-12-27
THE MARRIAGE FEE.

nave occurred 10 venerable Clergyman oil
Philadelphia city, now no more, but who, i'll
named, would be instantly recognized as ia
miliar to many, and, and as il appeared some
what interesting to me, will narrate il.
1t occurred some thirty years since, at
which time our reverend friend was called
upon to ofliciate at the nuptials Of the only
child and daughter Of most wealthy and
retired merchant OF this place, then resid-
ing few miles in the country.
The time which had been appointed for
the wedding proved TO be a chilly, rainy
day, toward the latter end Of the month of
September; the rain having commenced
falling on the night previous, continued thro
the day The roads were in miserable
condition, the rain, falling upon them still
heavy with dust, rendered them almost inn
passable in mud This was any thing but
pleasant prospect for the doctor but we'd
dings, you know, must not be delayed, nor
do cergymen generally desire it, they en-
terrain particular Partially for them they
find pleasure in uniting two fond hearts, and
they find profit in it. So, barring the wealth
er, the Doctor had no reason to complain,
and rain or shine, he was bound to go. Ac-
cordingIy horse and chaise we're procured,
and the doctor, fully equipped for his jour
ney, was soon on his way to the scene Of
the bridal festivity. At the country man
sion all was in readiness against his coming,
rand when he reached there, some after night
fall he found the bride and her lover already
awaiting him. II was not necessary 10 lose
any time, and the doctor was not long in en-
tering upon his appropriate Offices. The
necessary preliminaries being speedily ar
ranged within a spacious hall, richly orna-
mented. and in the presence of gay and
numerous company, the doctor pronounced
the nup,ial ceremony.
The scene was unusually affecting, even
TO the doctor himself The bride, as we
have said, was an only child, and, aside from
her education aud accomplishments, upon
which every care and attention had been
bestowed, she possessed qualities of the
heart which endeared her TO air; she was
amiable and affeciionate; and these traits,
combined with sincere and early piety, had
won the reverend old gentleman's highest
friendship and esteem. To one thus inter-
ested in the happiness of bride, the Joy
attendant upon her nupias is never unmin-
gIed with tender emotions, and tears of pa
rental sympathy trickled down the pious
countenance of the old gentleman, as at the
conclusion of the ceremony, he invoked the
smiles Of Heaven for the newly welded
Nor was he alone in these feelings sol
emn stiffness for a while pervaded the whole
company, yet, like transient cloud in the
morning, il was soon dispelled, leaving all
bright and cheerful as before.
Shortly after the ceremony was over, the
doctor prepared himself, without delay, for
, home so, taking an afecilonate leave oil
r the bride and her happy partner, he ordered
forth his vehicle. Not word had yet been
limited to him concerning a marriage fee; as
D for himself, he was too much absorbed IN
reflection TO have given though; upon the
I matter. The 'fee,' however, such as il was
i had not been forgotten; but Mr. f., the
brides father, after accompanying, and as
4 sisting him into the chase, placed in his
1 hands little package, containing, as he
e said, present for himself, and little no
i ton for his wife. The doctor, presuming
. of course, that it was his fee, and no doub
3 rich one, which was thus modes;ly tender
+ ed, accompanied with some small token 10
e his wife, thanked Mr. +. accordingly, AM
: the courtescs of the night being exchanged
d the doctor lost no time in regaining hi
II home.
= Imagine, now, the old gentleman, ate
J. two hours hard ride thro' the mud and rail-
o we'll drenched and despatched, sitting b
!, his Preside, opening with the eager assist
ance Of his wife, the above described pack
If age imagine, also, if possible, the surpris
/ and disappointment Of both, as, contrary I
n the lowest expectations Of either, in lieu of
n $50 note and rich laced cap the packag
4 was delivered Of plain neck-cloth, and
a plain unpretending pair of gloves.
a Now, fortunately for our friend, the doc
is tor, of all things he knew best how to broo
m disappointment it is characteristic of tn
,e profession in general hence his share {
~ the disappointment was soon smothered, an
OF he contented himself with the reflection thi
lie his services had been well paid already,
as having been rendered to one whom he fe
NJ most happy in serving.
Al Not so with his wife; like the most
I'D her sex-aye, and Of other the kind-disa
} 7 pointments were not in the least agreeab
ct to her; besides, on this OCCASION as 81
lit was particularly invested, hers was by 4
rs means small. The marriage Of Miss E. hi
ST. long been in contemplation, and as long ht
Dr. the doctors wife been anticipating rich 4
nd for her husband which, according to
to good natured agreement existing betwet
ny them in relation to the above marriage, th'
nd were to divide equally; and no marvel is
is that she had magni6ed her share into som
ly, thing very handsome
Try For some time she was speechless wi
vexation and disappointment she knew n