Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1859-05-07
NJ | S { f l. L A n Y.
JENKINS AND DELLA.


From work entitled, Matrimonial Brokerage in
the Metropolis
In the fall of 1857, a 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, and
being in no especial haste to return he deter
mined to visit matrimonial office, the adver-
tisemert of which he had seen and which struck
him as exceedingly curious.
lie repaired to the place indicated in the pa
per, paid the usual fee of five dollars and made
the following entry:
John Quincy Jenkins dry goods merchant
of Memphis, Tenn. 2S years of age, ) feet o
inches high, black eyes and hair and domestic
tastes, desires to form the acquaintance of a
lady 22 To - years OF age, with a view to mat
rmony. She must be of afiectonate DISPOSE
ton, accomplished, intelligent and handsome
None Others need apply. Money is no object
the advertiser having a 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.
The adventurous jenkins being of a some
what suspicious disposition, feared foul play ;
and when the appointed hour had arrived, went
to the matrimonial Office with six shooter,
well loaded, in his pocket, more than half ex-
pecting to defend himself against robbers and
assassins.
But the enemy he encountered was not of
this kind. He was introduced to a young wo-
man with black eyes and hair, pearly teeth, del
icate hands, fine FORM and intelligent and rath-
er handsome face. Her dress was appropriate
and her manner modest.
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 man of
sufficient brass, much embarrassed.
He rallied, however, and was soon chatting
with the fair stranger with an old acquan-
tance. Her wit and intelligence surprised and
pleased him. He had no more idea of marry
ing than Brigham Young has of living single,
and began to wish, from the bottom of his heart
that he was out of the affair.
The twain talked on until Jenkins became
aware that he was expected to broach the main
subject-but how to do it was problem. lie
resolved, however, to tell her frankly that he
was there merely from curiosity He opened
in this way:
Mis- (namng the broker, keeps mat
rimonia office, it seems Iii novel idea, and
her advertisement made me very curious
~, Inc unknown beauty biushed charmingly,.-
Inc glow wnch overspread her features was in
deed deed "a mt But 1t lasted only moment
one rephed' Yes see no harm in it. would
not nave my uncle know am here Tor anything
IN the world he could never understand it. |
nave plenty OF acquaintance, but little sympa-
my, l am wen aware what the conventionalists
oil the world requires am also aware that a
womans happiness is often sacrificed to them
l nave resolved to tins extent to break through
them' and never to marry until love-
Love, surely, replied the half-captiyated and
pmiantnropic Jenkins is the essential element
OF OF happiness and fancy that marriage without
IL would be an lntolerable burden
i came here. responded mademoiselle, mot
| because | ignorant of what belongs n