The Columbian fountain., 1846-01-22
THE LAST HOURS OF A SINGLE
CENT? ,EMAN

Pinkney,, underwent the extreme penalty OF IN
fatuation, by expiating his attachment 10 Mary
Ann Gale in front of the altar ratings OF st.
Msry's Church, lslington.
lssl will be in the recollection Of all those
friends of the parties who were at jones' party
at Brixton, TWO years ago, that MIR. Pinkney
was there, and there first introduced to Mary
Ann, to whom he Instantly began to direct par
ticular misunderstanding with her no less than
six sets that evening, and handing her things at
supper in the most devoted manner. From that
period commenced the intimacy between them
which terminated in this mornings catastrophe.
Poor Pinkney had barely attained to his
twenty eighth year; but there is no reason TO be-
lieve that but for reasons Of a pecuniary nature,
his single life would have come earlier 10 an un-
timely end. A change for the better, however,
having occurred in his circumstances, the young
lady's friends were induced to sanction his ad-
dresses, and thus to become accessories to the
course for which he had just suffered.
81 ssThe unhappy man passed the last night OF
his bachelor existence in his solitary chamber
From half past eight to ten, he was busily en-
gagged in writing letters. Shortly after ten, his
Younger brother Henry knocked at the door,
when the doomed youth told him in firm voice
to come in. On being asked when he meant to
90 bed, he replied, "Not yet" The question
was then put to him how he thought he would
sleep; to which his answer was, 81 don't know"
He then expressed his desire for cigar and a
glass Of grog, which were supplied him. His
brother who sat down and partook Of the like re-
freshments, now demanded if be would want
anything more that night He said, 'sNothing," !"
in'a firm voice. His affectonate brother then
rose to take leave; when the devoted one consd-
erately advised him to take care of himself.
80 Precisely at quarter of a minute to seven,
the next morning, the victim Of Cupid having
been called according to his desire, rose end
promptly dressed himself He had the selfcon-
troll to shave himself without the slightest inju-
ry; for net even scratch upon his chin appeared
after the operation. 1t would seem that he had
devoted longer time to his toilet than usual.
n" The wretched man was attired in light
blue dress coat, with frosted metal buttons,
white waist coat and nankeen trousers, with
patent leather boots. He wore round his neck
variegated satin scarf, which partially concealed
the Corrazza Of his bosom. In front Of the scarf
was inserted breast-pin Of conspicuous dimen-
sions Having descended the staircase with a
quick step, he entered the apartment where his
brother aud few friends were awaiting him.
He shook hands cordially with all present; and
on being asked how he had slept, answered,
every WE'LL" and to the farther demand as to the
state of his mind, he said, ''He felt happy"
g One Of the party having hereupon suggest
ed, that il would be as well to take something
before the melancholy ceremony was gone
through, he exclaimed with some emphasis,
ssDecidedly" Breakfast was accordingly serv-
ed; when he ate the whole of French roll, a
large round of toast, two sausages, and three new
laid eggs, which he washed down with two
great breakfast cups of tea. In reply to an ex-
preston of astonishment on the part of person
present, at his appetite, he declared that he
never felt it heartier in his life.
Having enquired the time, and ascertained
that it was fen minutes to eleven, he remarked,
sthat ii would soon be over" His brother then
enquired if he could do anything for him; when
he said he should like glass Of ale. Having
drank this, he appeared satisfied.
"The fatal moment now approaching, he de-
voted the remaining brief portion of his time to
distributing among his friends those little articles
which he would soon no longer want To one
he gave his cigar case, to another his tobacco
stopper, and he charged his brother Henry with
his latch-key, with instru ;tions to deliver it,
after all was over, with due solemnity to the
landlady.
saThe clock at length struck eleven; and at
the same moment he was informed that cab
was at the door. He merely said, 81 am
ready" and allowed himself to be conducted to
the vehicle; into which he got with his brother;
his friends followed in others.
"Arrived at the tragical spot, a short but
anxious delay of some seconds took place; after
which they were joined by the lady with her
friends Little was said on either side; but Miss
Gale, with customary decorum, shed tears
Pink1ey endeavored to preserve composure;
but a slight twitching in his mouth and eye
brows proclaimed his inward agitation.
"The illstaTed bachelor having submitted
quietly to have large white bow pinned to his
button hole, now walked, side by side, with
Musicale, with firm step to the altar. He
surveyed the imposing preparations with calm
ness; and gazed, unmoved, on the clergyman,
who assisted by the clerk, was waiting behind
the railings
"All necessary preliminaries having now been
settled, and the prescribed melancholy formalities
gone through, the usual question was put,
"Wilt thou have this woman for thy wife ~
To which the rash youth replied, in distinct
voice, II will" He then put the fatal ring on
Miss Gales finger: the hymenial moose was ad-
justed; and ths poor fellow was launched into
natrimony.
PRINTERS PAY.
We don't know why it is, but it seems to be a
fact, that those who trade with the printer, think