Page:Monthly scrap book, for May.pdf/23

SCRAP BOOK 23 couple are more than commonly acquainted, until the precentor, from his seat upon Sunday, publishes the bans of their marriage. People are extremely fond of discussing topics of that nature,-of scrupulously weighing the merits of each party in the balance,-of dropping oblique hints, and sly insinuations,-and of prying, with impertinent curiosity, into motives and conduct-some of them for the sake of indulging an envious or malevolent disposition, and others from a hope of discovering some flaw or failing which may keep their own in countenance, and save them from the appearance of singularity. For this reason it is always deemed a most fortunate and happy event should two lovers happen to bring matters to a crisis before the public ears have begun to tingle with a report of their intentions. Then it is only a sudden buzz, which gradually dies from the moment of their marriage, after which they are left, with characters unsifted, to pursue their matrimonial course in tranquillity.

But perhaps the fair one's charms have been so powerful as to draw around her a crowd of admirers; and in that case, neither the courtship nor the marriage can be accomplished in a corner. The favoured suitor has almost on every occasion to make his way, either by force or stratagem, to the door, the window, or whatever place he and his love may have appointed as the scene of their meeting. She, pestered by crowds of others-who, though void of hope, still continue to prowl about for the purpose of molesting the more fortunate--can rarely escape from the house, or admit her lover into it, without being seen, and teased with importunities, or