Year: 1871




For some time past there has been in
existence in Albany, New York, sort
of society or club, composed of young
ladies and gentlemen, and formed for
the cultivation of their histrionic tastes,
and to prepare themselves for life of
future usefulness upon the dramatic
stage, as we'll as for social enjoyment.
The rooms in which they massacre
Shakespeare and tear Dumas to pieces
are situated on State street, in the heart
of the business portion thereof; and the
unusual sounds incident to high tragedy
emanating therefrom have, no doubt
often attracted the attention of the
passer-by. But these rooms, the scene
of so many mock representations, beheld
something few evenings since far diff
ferent from anything before enacted
within their walls-no less than a COM
edy in real life. M


On that certain evening the members
of the club had assembled as usual, but
in consideration of it being the holiday
season, a motion to dispense with the
dramatic exercises, and betake them
selves to various methods of social en-
joyment, met with much favor, and was
unanimously adopted. For time the
minutes flew merrily by in the games
usually INDUCED in at social parties
These, however, soon became monoton-
Gus, and a number of feminine and mas
culine heads might have been seen in
close proximity deyising some new mode
of entertainment. Their ready wits were
for time unable to discover anything
which would serve to amuse, until, at
last a young lady, her bright eyes brim-
ming over with merriment and mischief
proposed mock marriage, just for fun,
you know" This proposition was eagerly
seconded by another bewitching damsel
and as it seemed impossible that either
of them had any Interior object in view,
the new advertisement was agreed to by
all.


Preparations were Immediately made
for having the interesting ceremony per-
formed with all due solemnity. A young
law student volunteered to act in the ca
pacity Of officiating clergyman, while two
other well known young men gladly
agreed to accept the duty of going
through the formula with the young ladies
aforesaid. All things being in readiness,
the two young couples were Joined to-
gether, strictly in accordance with the
text Of the service, and were solemnly
pronounced man and wife amid the de-
lighted laughter of those who acted as
spectators at the success of the plan.
Many were the jokes the newly welded
we're made the victims of, and which were
heartily enjoyed by the young people
themselves. All this was well enough so
far, and continued so until the time ar
rived for separating.


The husbands had donned their coats
and hats preparatory to their departure,
and had already bade the rest good
night. But at this juncture a change
came over the spirit of their fun. The
young wives were not going to allow
their new-made lords to leave them in
such cruel, unhusbandlike manner,
and insisted on their rights as wives
being given them, claiming the marriage
was Just as legal and lawful as though
cemented by real minister, inssmuch
as each Of them made apublic acknowl-
edgment to take each other for better
or worse" before witnesses. The young
gentlemen were completely non-plussed
by this unexpected termination of the
evenings enjoyment; but, OF course,
fatty refused to consider themselves
bound by the farcial service performed.
In this interesting state the affair now
stands, and viii, no doubt, if the young
ladies persist in their determination,
give some of the lawyers work to do.