The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-08-14
FRENCH COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE.
The Fashion of Modern Society.

gentleman who has lived in France a num-
Der OF years, and is thoroughly familiar with
French manners aud customs, tells us that the
following, from an English magazine, gives an
exact account of the process of courtship, as il
is regulated in good society there. 1t will be
seen that French COurship is something quite
different from American courtship. Doubtless
it has its merits:
I'VE will suppose that NJ. Horace Delaunay
has seen Mademoiselle Rosalie Dubois, or that
she has been spoken of to him, aud that on in
quiry as to her position, ETC., he inds she is a
person whom he would like to marry. He Is
bound to observe a rigorous compliance with
ineXorable rules, the violation of any one of
which would probably be the ruination of all
his hopes. Etiquette has nothing to say about
The affections, but simply, like treatise on
strategics and tactics lays down certain methods
OF proceeding without considering the cause OF
action.
THE first step which N. Delaunay or his
parents must take Tor him is to ask mutual
friend to inquire of the family Of the young lady
ii his offer OF marriage will be agreeable. 1t is
absolutely contrary to all good breeding for NJ.
DelaunaY TO do this himself and if ne IL refused,
good breeding requires him to make no sign of
disappointment, but 10 remain with the family,
just ON the same footing as before. 1t will be
comprehended that all allusion to the refusal
would be of the worst taste. Bat suppose III.
Delaunay has no common friend in this case,
he must address himself to the cure Of the
parish of the family, if they are Catholic-to the
pdsteur, if they are Protestant-to the rabbi, If
they are Jewish-and solicit one Of these to
10 the family lawyer; aud, Indeed, if the lady is
al elderly person or widow, this is the only ad-
mittcd way OF arranging this preliminary. But
in any case he must get suitable introduction
TO cure, pGsteIir, rabbi or notary.
If he reply be favorable, NJ. Delaunay asks
for permission to visit the family, or he asks to
be introduced, if be has not been so already.
The first visit must take place without the pre-
sence OF the young lady, and all alahs of pro-
perty, settlement, ETC.. are then to be discussed.
The family are supposed already TO be Informed
of all details about the position OF NJ. Delaunay
by his Intermediary; the parents or guardians
are now supposed TO put further questions TO
the young man, and TO declare whether the
replies are satisfactory or not, and to communi-
cate on their side all details about the young
lady's fortune and expectations. The young
man is invited TO visit them on a future day,
and the day and the hour OF the visit are fixed.
If the replies Of NJ Deaunay are not found
satisfactory, the young laoy's representatives
requ re time Tor reflection, and they separate on
the most cordial terms possible, and the suit0r
Is required by good breeding not to make any
further advances unless he is recalled.
"Howeyer, suppose M. DelaUnay has satisfied
the exigencies of father, mother, guardian, no.
tary, ETC., and the hour Of the first visit is
arrang ed in which he is to see the object of his
II arriage intention for the drst time as a suitor
The visit must naturally be arranged to take
place when no other visitors are expected.
Good taste requires the toilets on ooth sides TO
be carefully proper, although any display-une
tOpeHe tdpdgeUSe-is oil the worst taste; the
young, lady especially must besimply but neatly
attired.
a. adrle Dubois having already been in
formed OF the proposal sits between her parents,
and no alluson whatever is made to the subject
OF NJ. Delaunay's visit during the 6rst interview.
II is, 10 iac, simple visit OF reconnaissance
the enemies are placed in presence of ami eXa
mine each other, talking about the most indif-
feTent things in the world.
I'll however, either on the occasion of the
first VISIT or the second, NJ Deaunay is not
satisfied with the explanations gwen him or the
appearance OF Mademoi ellie Dubois he can still
retreat conveniently by writing to say that a
little Journey, which he is obliged to take wall
deprive him for some time OF the pleasure he
anticipated IN being able 10 cUntinue his visits
e.c, II, on the contrary, he desires to so OIL