LITERATURE.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 2, 2 June 1874, Page 4

LITERATURE.

TIED UP. [From “ Bow Bells.”] This morning, April 1, at half-past 11 precisely, the unfortunate young man, Mr Edward Pinkney, underwent the extreme penalty of infatuation by expiating his attachment to Mary Ann Gale in front of the altar railings of St Mary’s Church, Islington. It will be in the recollection of all those friends of the parties who were at the Jones s party at Brixton two years ago that Mr Pinkney was there, and there first introduced to Mary Anne, to whom he instantly began to direct particular attention—dancing with her no less than six sets that evening, and handing her things at supper in the most devoted manner. From that period commenced the intimacy between them which terminated in this morning s catastrophe • Poor Pinkney had barely attained to his twenty-eighth year, but there is reason to believe that, but for reasons of a pecuniary nature, his single life would have come earlier to an untimely end, A change for the better, however, having occurred in his circumstances, the young lady’s friends were induced to sanction his addresses, and thus to become accessories to the course for which be had just suffered. The unhappy man passed the last night ot his bachelor existence in his solitary chamber. From half-past eight to ten he was busily engaged in writing letters. Shortly after ten o’clock his younger brother Henry knocked at the door, when the doomed youth told him In a firm voice to come in. On being asked when he meant to go to bed, he replied, “ Not yet.” The question was then put to him how he thought he should sleep ; to which his answer was, “ I don’t know.” He then expressed his desire for a cigar and a glass of grog, which were supplied him. Bis brother, who sat down and partook of the like refreshment, now demanded if he would want anything more that night. He He said “ Nothing” in a firm voice. His affectionate brother then rose to take leave ; when the devoted one considerately advised him to lake care of himself.

Precisely at a quarter of a minute to seven, the next morning, the victim of Cupid, having been called according to his des're, rose and promptly dressed himself. He had the self con'rol to shave himself without the slightest injury ; for not even a scratch upon hia chin appeared after the operation. It would seem that he had devoted a longer time to his toilet than usual. The wretched individual was attired in a blue frock-coat, a light waistcoat and trousers, with patent leather boots.

Having descended the staircase with a quick step, he entered the apartment where his brother and a few friends were awaiting him. He shook hands cordially with all present; and on being asked how he had slept, answered, “Very well;” and to the further demand as to the state of his mind, he said •* He felt happy.” Breakfast was accordingly served, when he ate the whole of a French roll, a large round of toast, two sausages, and three new-laid eggs, which he washed down with two great breakfast-cups of tea. In reply to an expression of astonishment on the part of a person present, at his appetite, he declared that he never felt it heartier in his life. Having inquired the time, and ascertained that it was ten minutes to eleven, he remarked that. “It would soon be over.” His brother then inquired if he could do anything for him ; when he said he should like a glass of bitter ale. Having drunk this, he appeared satisfied. The fatal moment now approaching, he deviated the remaining brief portion of his time to distributing among bis friends those little articles which he would soon no longer want. To one he gave his cigar-case, to another his tobacco-stopper, and he charged his brother Henry with his latch-key, with instructions to deliver it, after all was over, with due solemnity, to his landlady. The clock at length struck eleven ; and at the same time he was informed that a cab was at the'door. He merely said, “. I am ready,” and allowed himself to be conducted to the vehicle, into which he gob with his brother—his friends following in two others. Arrived at the tragical spot, a short but anxious delay took place ; after which they were joined by the lady with her friends. Little was said on either side ; but Miss Gale, with customary decorum, shed tears. Pinkney endeavored to preserve a composure : but a slight twitching of his mouth and eyebrows proclaimed his inward agitation. The ill-starred bachelor having submitted quietly to have a large white bow pinned to his button-hole, now walked, side by side with Miss Gale, with a firm step to the altar. He surveyed the imposing preparations with calmness ; and gazed, unmoved, on the clergyman, who, assisted by the clerk, was waiting behind the railings. All requisite preliminaries having now been settled, and the prescribed melancholy formalities gone through, the usual question was put, “Wilt thou have this woman for thy wife ? ” To which the rash youth replied, in a distinct voice, “I will.” He then put the fatal ring upon Miss Gale’s finger; the hymeneal noose was adjusted ; and the poor fellow was launched into matrimony.