ing a proposal I am about to lay before you, in which my happiness is much concerned.

For a long time past your daughter Jane has held a strong hold over my affections, and I have reason to believe that I am not indifferent to her. My position is such as to warrant my belief that I could support her in the style of comfort which she so well deserves, and which it has been your constant aim to provide for your children. As regards my character and disposition, I trust they are sufficiently well known to you to give you confidence in the prospect of your child's happiness.

I have not, however, ventured on any express declaration of my feelings without first consulting you on the subject, as I feel persuaded that the straightforward course is always the best, and that a parent's sanction will never be wanting, when the circumstances of the case justify its being accorded.

Anxiously awaiting the result of your consideration on this important and interesting subject.

No.

Favorable Reply.

BLEECKER ST., NEW YORK, Oct. 25th, 18

MY DEAR MR. BARCLAY,—I thank you very much for the manly and honorable way in which you have addressed me in reference to my daughter's hand. I have long since perceived that your attentions to her were of a marked character, and that they appeared to give her much pleasure. I know no reason whatever to oppose your wishes, and, if I may judge from the manner in which she

received the communication from myself, you will find a by no means unwilling listener.

Dine with us to-morrow, if you are not engaged, and you will then have an opportunity of pleading your own cause. Meanwhile, believe me, with every confidence in your integrity and good feeling,

Unfavorable, on Account of a Pre-engagement.

DEAR SIR,-It is always painful to return an unfavorable answer, but such is unfortunately my task on the present occasion.

My daughter has for a long time been engaged to a gentleman whose character and position give her no cause to regret the tie. At the same time she duly appreciates the compliment implied by your preference, and unites with me in the sincere wish that, as an esteemed friend, you may meet with a companion in every way calculated to ensure your happiness.

An offer of Marriage.

CHESTNUT ST., PHILADELPHIA, May 2d, 18-.

MY DEAR MISS,-I have intended many times when we have been together to put the simple question, which this

note is intended to propose; but although it seems the easiest thing in the world to make an offer of marriage, yet when the heart is as deeply interested in the answer as mine is, it is apt to fail one at the critical moment. Can I, dare I hope, that you will permit me to call you mine? Am I mistaken, misled by vanity, in supposing that this proposal, made in the truest spirit of respectful love, will not be displeasing to you? My position and prospects warrant me in saying that I can provide for you a comfortable home, and I may truly add that without you no place can be a home to me. Anxiously awaiting your answer, I remain, Yours affectionately,

TO MISS ALICE MARTINE,

.

ERNEST IRVING.

GREEN ST., PHILADELPHIA, May 5th, 18—.

DEAR SIR,-Your offer of marriage is certainly unexrected, but it is made in a manner so diffident and respectful as to preclude the possibility of its giving offense. I am not offended; but marriage is a serious matter, and although I confess my own inclinations are in your favor, I must advise with those who have a right to be consulted, before I give you a decided answer. I think I may say, however, in the meantime, that you need not despair.

Sincerely yours,

GREEN ST., PHILADELPHIA, May 5th, 18-.

DEAR SIR,-You have addressed me in plain and earnest language, and I feel it my duty to give a candid and posi

tive answer to your proposal, without delay. I cannot accept your offer. As an acquaintance I have found your society agreeable, but have never thought of you as a lover. It is therefore utterly impossible that I can respond favorably to your letter. Thanking you for the honor you have done me, but at the same time requesting you to consider your offer finally declined,

MADISON SQUARE, NEW YORK, Feb. 24th, 18-.

DEAR MISS,—Although I have been in your society but once, the impression you have made upon me is so deep and powerful, that I cannot forbear writing to you, in defiance of all rules of etiquette. Affection is sometimes of slow growth; but sometimes too it springs up in a moment. In half an hour after I was introduced to you, my heart was no longer my own. I have not the assurance to suppose that I have been fortunate enough to create any interest in yours; but will you allow me to cultivate your acquaintance in the hope of being able to win your regard in the course of time? Petitioning for a few lines in reply,

EAST THIRTY-FOURTH ST., NEW YORK, Feb. 27th, 18-.

SIR,-Your note has surprised me. Considering that you were, until last evening, an entire stranger to me, and

that the few words which passed between us were on common-place subjects, it might be called impertinent. But I endeavor to view it in a more favorable light, and am willing to attribute your extraordinary and sudden professions of devotion, to ignorance of the usages of society. You will oblige me by not repeating the absurdity, and I think it best that this note should close the correspondence, and our acquaintance. By attending to this request, you will oblige Your obedient servant,

EAST THIRTY-FOURTH ST., NEW YORK, Feb. 27th, 18-. DEAR SIR,-I ought, I suppose, to call you severely to account for your declaration of love at first sight, but I cannot in conscience do so; for to tell you the truth, I have thought more about you since our brief interview than I should be willing to admit, if you had not come to confession first. And now a word or two in seriousness: We know but little as yet of each other, and hearts should not be exchanged in the dark. I shall be happy to receive you here as a friend, and as to our future relations to each other, we shall be better able to judge what they ought to be, when we know each other more intimately. I am, dear sir, Yours truly,

TO CLARENCE BOARDMAN, ESQ.,

No. -Madison Square, New York.

LIZZIE BOLTON.

A Jealous Remonstrance.

WALNUT ST., PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 21, 18

SIR,-I have heard of your flirtations since you have

been at New York.

In fact I have been told that you were