The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1854-10-25
Advertising for a Wife.

Advertising for Wife.
Mr.. Edward Singleton wasone day seated in
his room, deeply Illuminating upon the unfortu
nate position of bachelors in general, when a
step was heard ascending the stairs, and mo-
ment after some one raped loudly at the door.
s'Come in''
TIE door few open, and young man hastily
entered.
"Good morning, Ned" he cried, throwing
himself into chair, Il stopped in to inquire if
you have received card of invitation to old
Mowbray's party this evening"
II have"
'And of course you will attend"
"No!'
"What!" exclaimed the young man in sur
prise, "Ned Singleton, the gayest of the gay,
refuse to attend the most brilliant party of the
season. Impossible-Ned, you are joking.
Il am not
"But what are your motives for denying
yourself this pleasure?"
''To be frank to you, Harry, I've had quite
enough of parties for the present What I
want is wife,
His friend gave vent to hearty laugh, and
then said:
"The very reason why you should 90 to-
night dare be sworn that among the brilliant
throng of youth and beauty tha-- will be present
you can readily find one lovely being to whose
care you would be willing to entrust your
heart"
"True enough, but whether that particular
one could be induced to deliver hers in return
over to the custody of Ned Singleton, is to me
matter of extreme doubt"
..D, l., II, Il
if refusal be the result no harm will be done. )"
But it would be extremely disagreeable.
And if you will promise not to reveal it, will
entrust you with secret
Il will swear it, if necessary"
"Then | have to inform you thas within the
the last two months, I have proposed and been
refused by three different ladies'
"Indeed' exclaimed Harry, laughing in
spite of himself, land what reasons did they
assign for refusing your ofer?"
"More than | can enumerate, but the prlncl-
pie was my want of a fortune, and from that,
undoubtedly, springs adj the rest"
"Then you are determined on staying away
from the party to-night?' said Harry, rising to
depart.
Most resolutely."
"And are serious in wishing to obtain a
wife,"
II was never more serious
"And have come to no definite conclusion as
to how you will proceed?'
"Preclsely so.'
''Then,' replied his friend, II would advise
you TO advertise for one,' and with a merry
laugh he left the room.
"And why not?' said Singleton mentally,a as
the sound of his friends footsteps died away
"Why not, indeed? 1t would be an excellent
plan, by Jove will!' and straightway seating
himself at his little table, he succeeded in short
time, in producing the following:
'Matrmonial.-The advertiser young man
of good moral character and fine attainments, is
desirous of forming matrimonial alliance With
lady between nineteen and twenty -four years
of age. She must be beautiful and accom-
plished, and possess an amiable disposition
Address, E. S., No, Crescent place, Bos-
toa"
"There," soliloquised Ned, as he finished
, Il think that will do, and sincerely do hope il
will be the meaIHs of procuring me charming
partner forl life. For two years have been en-
deavoring to obtain wife, but the lack of q
fortune has been the main obstacle which has
prevented the realization of my wishes True
have gained access into the very best society
and rendered myself agreeableoto ladies o.
wealth and fashion, but to this extent onl y have
l proceeded They know am not the inheri
tor of riches-that0a petty custom house office
10 all that have to rely upon. believe them
all hearless | have hunted for wealth quite
long enough, will now try to win heart. .
And so he added to his advertisement the fol-
lowing postcript
'Monev of no consequence"
Our hero Immediately sent a copy to all the
evening papers, with directions to have it inser
ted that day.
About two o'clock the following day, the
postman brought nearly dozen notes directed
to "Mr E. S." Ned, who had been waiting with
sort of feverish impatience, fastened at once
to his room, oand with a futterng heart was II
the act of breaking the first seal, when ser
want informed him that a lady was below who
requested an interview with him. This was mos
annoying at such a moment, and he at first har
bored serious intentions of turning heroH with
out an audience, but his galantry came to hi:
aid before he had given the order, and he ac
cordingly told the servant to show herrup. Witt
a sign ne Sank luLO d STAT anu leiu wiz o4oPe
letters upon the table. In short time the ser
want returned, ushering Jn lady who wa
closely veilod. Singleton offered her seat
and politely inquired the object of her visit:
Il believe" she said in tone OF slngua
sweetness, ''that you are the gentleman WHIT
Yesterday advertised foroa wife.
81 am,' he replied"
MAY inquire if you have yet selected
one''
Il have not but have just received mum
Der of communications in reply to the adver
tisement," and he pointed towards the pile
letters before him.
"Then | have arrived in time. l come t
offer you myself"
Edward Singleton trembled violently at tn
announcement He had not anticipated sucl
a summary mode of operation, and consequent
ly he became exceedingly embarrassed Th
form of his fair visitor struck him as graceful
and faultess, and when, in moment alters
raised her veil, he was literally struck dunn
by her exceeding beauty. Apar OF the bright
est azure eyes beamed upon him from beneat
their long delicate lashes, a few stray curs G