Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-01-21
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NEW WAY TO OBTAIN A HUSBAND
Of all the stratagems restored to by fe-
male INGENUITY to obtain a suitable hus-
band, we know of none so extraordinary
as that Of a French lady, who gave out
that her head resembled a Deaths
Head
Among the numerous lovers who, in
consequence Of the immense wealth she
was reputed to possess, aspired 10 the
honor of her hand, in spite ofthe terrors
Of her face, there were reckoned no less
than sevt nteen hundred and nineteen.
She showed TO a poison who was IN her
confidence, twenty five or thirty letters,
which she had received from Belgium,
written by we'll known characters who
said they would never revolt though she
should prove to be the most hideous OBJ
iect in the world. They were disposed
to Aatter, caress, and we'd the plague it.
self, so that they could procure abun-
dance Of gold. All their letters she left
unanswered, but to a few who solicited
her hand in a gallant style, she was gen.
erous enough to order her secretary to
return her thanks.
The mind Of the young lady did not
tend to union in Consequence ofthe above
invitations; yether heart was not insen-
sible. In the brilliant circles in which
she moved covered constantly with &
mask, she distinguished a young man o
noble and interesting co~untenance,w whose
mind had been well cultivated. He haC
a fortune which placed him above inter
ested views. The young man, on hi
part, was so much charmed with the era
ces and delicate sentiments which thu
young lady with invisible features dis
played in conversation, that he al lengtI
declared all his happiness depended o.
a union. She did not deny the impress
sion he had made on her, nor conces
the pleasure she shonld feel in accedin
to his proposals, but expressed to him
the same time, the dread that he woul
repent on %beholding her face, which sh
described TO be hat Of death, in its mo-
terrific form. She urged him to bewaI
Of rashness, and consider we'll. wheth'
he could bear the wretched disappoin
ment he might occur.
Well we'll = said the young man "a
cept my hand, and never unmask to ar
but the eyes of your husband
i consent said she but rememb
that l shall not survive the appearance
alright and disgust, and perhaps CO
tempt, you may feel after MARRIAGE
i will never shrink from the proc
it is your heart, and not your figure,
love-
In eight days said the lady, you sh
be satisfied
They prepared for the marriage, a
notwithstanding the refusal Of the gen
Gus young man to accept a million
l. francs in bank bills, she settled all
@ property upon him.
If you have not courage enough
suffer for your companion,' said she,
shall at least be consoled by the ref
nth ton that | have enriched him whom
aper love, and he will perhaps drop a tear
1ces' my memory
dl Returning from the altar, she thr
anu herself on her knees before her spou
"nn. and placed her hand upon the mask
pr What a situation for her husband
Md heart paIpltated-his face turned pal
/ see the mask fell-HE BEHELD AN ANGEL
three BEAUTY She then exclaimed Affect
ately, you have not deserved deform
e OBJ YOU merit the love Of beauty!
o. The happy conpleleft Paris the r
cling day for Livonia, where the great pro
ty of the lady was situated.