The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1868-03-26


me. On further consideration | re-
membered it was an anonymous coin
munication, and, therefore, could not
charge any one person with the crime.
Soon curiosity mastered my anger, and
| ventured to glance at the pages thus
furtively placed in my hands. The
work was certainly original, for, after
short preface concerning the thOus-
ands of both sexes who are yearly DOOM
ed to celibacy, and its consequent lone
illness and unsettled position, for want
of an introduction to q suitable part
ner, it referred me to an office in Lon
don where such unfortunate bachelors
or single ladies as might wish to change
their state could, on payment of GER
tain sum down, and a further fee when
married, have their happiness complet-
ed and meet with desirable acquaint-
ances. Indignant as | felt, l could not
help being amused at the plausible
manner in which the "honor, integrity,
and ability" Of the head of the office
were guaranteed, while the most invio-
liable confidence and secrecy were to be
relied on, SO that the feelings of the
most sensitive lady might notbe offend
ed. photographs were to be exchang-
ed, and, while the old saying was
quoted, that marriages are made in
heaven" it was added that in matri-
mony, as well as other affairs, "Heaven
helps those who help themselves. This
interesting little book further stated that
hundreds of cases had been satifactOr-
lily arranged, and such marriages had
turned out most happy unions. 1t end
ed by sending a 6 ven number Of rules
for any party wishing to benefit by the
advice of this enterprising individual.
Not less, it stated, than 5000 couples
had been paired since the opening of
the Office, and a little accompanying
note kindly informed me that there
were several gentlemen's names enter
ed, --one retired officer with a fortune
of ego, 600, a squire with $4,000 per
annum, and other equally desirable
parties, who were ready, should / de-
eide on becoming candidate for hus-
band, to enter into correspondence and
receive my photograph. Further in
formation should be sent by return of
post if l enclosed the fec. What q
speculative scheme!
/ have since heard that its promoters
send these little green missiveS in every
direction; and ! have met other single
ladies, who, to like advertisements,
have received the same proposals.
Doubtless, some may have been entrap.
ped into sending the f5 demanded.
But having no pal ticular taste for such
matrimonial speculation, lreplaced my
green book into its envelope, locked
it up lest any one should learn | had
ever received such a communication,
and then turned to continue the perusal
of my letters. After opening three or
four more | at last came to one, the To-
cality of which suited me, and the
terms were also such as the limits of my
purse would sanction. The writer's
name, too, l thought l recognized as
that of a lady from my own neighbor-
hood in the country, of whom knew
something, having heard from mutual
friends that she had been left a widow
in reduced circumstances some years
previously. Mrs. Green wrote stating
that she could at the present time offer
me home in her family circle, which
consisted of her daughter and herself,
with occasionally a few select visitors,
that would, she felt, add to the cheer
fulness of the party; that her terms
were only fl yer week, exclusive Of
wine, spirits, &c. The situation was
Bayswater, where Mrs. Green would be
happy to see me, should ! feel disposed
to call and talk the matter over with
her; that she would stay at home the
next day until four, p. Nj. in expecta-
ton of visit from me. There could
be no harm in this, just calling to look
about me, l thought; so accordingly
made my way there at the time appoint
ed, and found the house very pleasantly
situated in one of the most open parts
OF Bayswater 1t was a cottage resi-
dencc, detached, in neighborhood
which was a few years since quite in
the country, but which is now divided
by squares and streets, and almost sur
rounded by large houses, terraces, and
villas. l was ushered into a pretty
double room neatly furnished, opening
into a small garden, from which the
scent of roses and jasmine entered and
pervaded the air. What luxury,
thought, for London! Presently an
elderly lady entered, accompanied,
concluded, by her daughter; the former
bearing the remains of great beauty,
the latter more homely in her appear
ance, but with most good-natured
expression of countenance. They in
trOduced themselves as Mrs and Miss
Green, and in short time felt quite
at home with them. We entered up
on the business of my visit. All my
inquiries were satisfactorily answered,
every desirable arrangement volun-
teered. then saw the sleeping apart
ment that was to be placed at my dis
posal; after which l passed into the
garden, where Miss Green opened the
door of a little conservatory. They
assured me / should find the family
most united one, and that everything