The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1859-06-22

son, 523 Broadway. New York;
In the fall of 1851 young country mer-
chant, not altogether ignorant of the ways of
the city, and by no means adverse to adven-
lures, came here to get his semi annual supply
of dry goods. Having made his purchase, ard
being in no especial haste to return, he deter
mined to visit matrimonial office, the adver.
tisement of which he had seen, and which
struck him as exceedingly curious.
He repaired to the place indicated in the
paper. paid the usual fee of five dollars, and
made the following entry:
John Quincy Jenkins. dry goods mer-
chant of Memphis Tenn, % years of age, 5
feet inches high black eyes and hair andt1o-
mestic tastes. desires to form the acquaintance
of lady, % TO 25 years of age. with view
to matrimony. She must be of affectionate
disposition, accomplished, intelligent and hand
some. None others need apply. Money is
no object, the advertiser having lucrative
business
The merchant was assured by the broker
that she had just such person on her list,
at that moment; and that if he would call
at five o'clock that afternoon, he should see
her. -.=--ss-e
The adventurous jenkins being of some
what suspicious disposition, feared foul play;
and, when the appointed honr had arriv d,
went to the matrimonial office with six
shooter, well loaded, in his pocket. more than
half expecting to defend himself against rob-
bers and assassins. @
But the enemy he encountered was not of
: this kind. He was introduced to young wo.
man with black eyes and hair, pearly teeth,
l delicate hands fine form, and intelligent and
: rather handsome face Her dress was appro.
! pirate and her manner modest
r Be it known that the adventurous Jenkins
had anticipated nothing of the sort. He had
supposed that if the landlady introduced him
) at all. which he considered doubtful, it would
: be to some frightful hag who would drive
him from the house in disgust. He was
: therefore, taken good deal aback, and
: though mah of sufficient brass, much embar.
; rasscd.
He rallied, however, and was soon chatting
with the fair stranger as with an old acquaint-
ance. Her wit and intelligence su rprised and
pleased him. He had no more idea of marry
ing than Brigham Young has of living single,
q and began to wish from the bottom of his
. heart, that he was out of the affair.
4 The twain talked on until jenkins became
4 aware that he was expected to broaeh the
10 main subject-but how to do 1t was problem.
N He resolved, however. to tell her frankly, that
"a he was there merely from curiosity. He open.
ed in this way:
4 Mis- (naming the broker) keeps a
matrimonial Office, it seems. 1t is a novel
, idea, and her advertisement made me very
. e curious
;. The unknown beauty blushed charmngly
= The glow which overspread her features was
II indeed. a hit But it lasted only moment
be She replied: Yes; I see no harm in it.
nd would not have my uncle know am here fol
l. anything in the world, he could never under
~. stand it. I have plenty of acquaintances bu
=. little sympathy. l am we'll aware what th,
= conventionaists of the world require; an
:, also aware that womans happiness is ofter
: sacrificed to them. I have resolved to thi
- extent to break through them, and never mar
- ry until love-
~ m Love, surely replied the half captivate
and philanthropic Jenkins. 'is the essentis
-. element of happiness, and 1 fancy that ma,
:. riage without it would be an intolerable bul
den.'
Il came here responded mademoiselle, nc
ain because I am ignorant of what belongs to
modest woman, but because believe there
ave nothing wrong or immodest in doing so; an
think that might meet with what has thu
e far in life been denied me-the sympathy an
friendship of some one who understands me