True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-11-10
Matrimonial Brokerage in the Metro.
polls.

.tt ,a.sf. EVAAos
In the fall, of 1857, a young country
merchant, not altogether ignorant Of the
ways ofthe city, and by no means adverse
TO adventures, came here to get his semi
annual supply Of dry goods. Having
made his purchase, and beingin no espe'
cial haste 10 return, he determined to visit
the matrimonial office, the advertisement
of which he had seen, and which struck
him as exceedingly curious.
He repaired to .he place indicated in
the paper, paid the usual fee OF So, and
made the following entry:
"John Quincy Jenkins, a dry goods
merchant Of Memphis, Tennessee, %
years of age, 5 feet 8 inches high. black
eyes and hair, and domestic tastes, desires
to form the acquaintance of lady, % to
25 years ofage, with view TO matrin o.
ny. She must be Of affeclionate tisposi-
ton, accomplished, intelligent and hand
some. None others need apply. Money
is no object, the advertiser having lu-
crative business.
The merchant was assured by the bro
ker that she had just such person on her
list at that moment, and that if he would
call at 5 o'clock that afternoon he should
see her.
The adventurous Jenkins, being Of a
somewhat suspicious disposition, feared
foul play and when the appointed hour
arrived, went to the Office with six
shooter, loaded, in his pocket, more than
half expecting to defend himself against
robbers and assassins.
But the enemy he encountered was not
of this kind. lie was introduced to a
Young woman with black eyes and hair,
pearly teeth, delicate hands. fine form,
and somewhat handsome and rather intel
ligent face. Her dress was appropriate
and her manner modest.
Be i, known that the adventurous Jen.
kins had anticipated nothing of The sort
He had supposed that if the landlady in:
troduced him at all, which he considered
doubtful, it would be to some frightfuI
bao. who would drive him from the house
in disgust. He was therefore good deal
taken aback, and though man Of suffi'
cient audac;e, much embarrassed.
He rallied, however, and was soon
chatting with the fair stranger as with ar
old ACQUAINTANCE. Her wit and intelli.
pence surprised and pleased him. HI
had no more idea of marrying than Brig
ham Young has of living single, and be
oap 10 wish from the bottom of his heart
that he was out Of the affair.
The twain talked on untilSenkins be-
came aware that he was expected to broacl
the main subject-but how to do il was
nroblem. He resolved, however, to tel
her frankly that he was there merely from
curiosity. He opened in this way:
"Mrs. naming the broker, keep
a matrimonial Office, it seems. 1t is
novel idea, and her advertisement mad
me curious
The unknown beauty blushed charm
ingly, The glow which overspread he
cheeks was, indeed hit She replied
"Yes: I see no harm in it. | would no
have nv uncle know am here for any
thing in the world, he could never under
stand ii. have plenty Of acquaintance
but little sympathy. l am we'll awar
what the convenlionallties OF the worl
REQUIRE am also aware that woman
HAPPINESS is often sacrificed to them.
have resolved to this extent to brea
through them, and never marry until
love-" 80.
Love surely" replied the half capt
waited and philosophic Jenkins, lis tn
essential element Of happiness, and
fancy that marriage without would be a
intolerable burden"
III come here" responded mademo
selle, "not because am ignorant
what belongs to a modest woman but b
Iieye there is nothing wrong or lmmode!
in doing so; and thinking that | m'gl
meet with what has been denied metz
sympathy and friendship Of some one VII
understands, me-"
II came here" vigorously reSponde
Jenkins, perceiving good chance TO 50
what he wanted to, Il camc here simpl
from curiosity. 1t is always best to
frank and truthful; have no intention
marrying, bat seeing SO novel an adve
tisement in the paper, ! wished to kno
its meaning"
jenkins is of opinion that when he y
tered this speech careful observer mig
have seen the slightestshade Of disappolnn
ment becloud the features Of the ia
stranger; but if so it passed quickly
After few minutes conversation, Je'
kins arose to depart. He expressed gra
iicalion al having seen her, and said tn
as he had few days 10 spend in the cit
he would, ifhe might presume 10 do s
beg the honor Of calling upon her.
HTell me, sir" replied the enchantiI
damsel, "tell me if you can respect q
lust as much as though you had met o
at Saratoga or Newport, and sought
introduction
at matters very little where we i
a Jewel we price" was the gallant rep
Of the gallant Jenkins.
"Ifby that you mean to answer me