Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-08-31
Advertising for a Wife.

MI. rOnolOVe cOncelyeS some very romaIs-
tic notions now and then, having no regular
business to see after, he amuses himself by
putting his romantic notions into practice.
He was married to an estimable lady of wealth
and beauty six or eight years ago, butfor the
''fun of the thing" he took it into his head to
advertise for aoJs. He accordingly put a
modest card into one of the city papers, and
received score or more of communications
in reply. 1t was capital joke and couple
OF weeks were spent in going through the
routine of personal interview with each fair
respondent. There was one who avoided an
actual meeting, but with well-penned epistles,
almost infatuated Mr.. Fondlove. He sudden
ly became very literary and sentimental, and
occupied most of his time in writing letters
to his bewitching incognito, whose evident
wit and talent eclipsed everything Indeed
Mr.. Fondlove was completely carried away
with the fair writer, and really neglected Mrs.
Fondlove in his ardor for the pleasure of men
tai communion with the new ideal of his sus-
ceptible heart. Already he began to com
pare the merits of the unknown with those of
Mrs. Fondlove, and half cursed himself to
think that he should ever have married such
woman.
-r4OQb what n fool have been, he exclaimed
Oh it is enough to madden any one.'
Mr.. Fondlove at last declared that he coulC
not live without his fair enslaver, and after
long entreaty she finally consented to an in
terview, but upon condition that she shoult
be permitted to remain yelled while in hi.
presence. To this he assented-fearful h
should not see her at all if he refused.
The momentous hour at last arrived, and
with a humping heart, an entire new sui
of clothes and the costliest perfume in hi
handkerchief and hair, Mr. Fondlove repaire
to the appointed place and found the objec
of his love already there. The interview wa
mutually interesting and but for the odiou
veil, Mr.. Fondlove would have been perfect
ly happy. However, in his ardor, he cor
fessed himself cursed with an uncongenia
wife, whom he never did and never coul
love. He would instantly apply to the Lei
islature for divorce, and throw himself ;
the feet of the uncovered angel She SCENE
to dislike the idea of his marriage and tt
project of getting divorce, but he grew {
violent, and took so many additional oaths
his unalterable resolution and pure devotion
that in pity she yielded to his earnest praye
to disclose her features.
I fear you will be disappointed said sh
hesitating.
Impossibler he cried, full of impatienc
4 will love you forever 7
But your wife You may find that
face is equal to mine. You may perchan
think better of your resolution and return
her. almost wish had not promised yo
Nay, but must see your face persist
Mr.. Fondlove
Then pledge me your sacred word tt
) you will be true to me henceforth from tt
e hour until death = she solemnly said.
t 4 swear lit gasped Mr.. Fondlove.
!. A simple movement of her hand thr
!, back the veil, and Mr.. Fondlove was dun
founded at beholding the face and heari
J the well known laugh of his own wife. b
started to their feet, and Mr.. Fondlove
e peard to be on the verge Of instant flight
f, escape the terrible consequences of the
e lemma, but Mrs. Fondfove caught him
A. the arm, and conducted him home, VIII
the matter was amicably settled. Mr.. Fo
: love thinks his wife more lovely than WI
he first conrted her, and she never knew
= irresistible he really was until adventure g
.. her chance to test him.
to But how did you come to answer my
er yertisementY asked Mr.. Fondlove.
~ why, saw you writing it out the day
!. fore. peeped over your shoulder and !
- it. The next morning, sure enough, tt
- it was among the 'Matrimonials.' | thou
u two could play at the game, and SO rep
IN according to the directions
rie Mr.. and Mrs Fondlove have gone to
on seaside to enjoy their second honeymoon
m Literary Gazett