THE JOURNALIST'S WOOING. «_

Manawatu Herald, 23 August 1881, Page 4

THE JOURNALIST'S WOOING. «_

Mithridates Oppenheimer was editor of a fashion weekly. He loved, but he could not wed. Fashionable journal • ism is a great, a Loble thing; bub it does not pay. Oppenheimev realised that his income, even .including his » commission on the sale of paper patterns, would not enable him to support v wife, as wives wish to be supported now-a-days. What was he to do? He could nofc increase his iv- '%& come; he must reduce the expectations of his wife. For that purpose he would use the mighty engine referred to The next day lie wrote iv the I'ashion Notes : — " It is no longer ban ton for young gentlemen of fashion to present engagement-rings to thuiv fiancees.'" Then he wont to the bonae of Mi.is Anastasiii Pettiugill and offered himself. She accepted him. She looked as. if she would have liked- a diamond-ring; buc she said nothing. Next week she read in her betrothed's paper, "Presents between fiancees are now considered verj bad gout." She sighed ; but, she said nothing. The next week the Fashion Weekly, said, "When engaged persons enter an ice cream saloon it is now the fashion for the lady to pay tor her own refreshments." A week after ibis item appeared : " Brides thisypar will dress ; very simply. Calico is the fashionable material." And when the ensuing paper was laid before hsiyMisa Pettingill read with a I breaking heart this double-bai relied

shot : " Flat? are no longer made foi young married coup'ts. It is considered vulgarly ostentations to have more than oue room. For light employment: fur married ladies, art broidery is now quite out of d.ite,altliough in the way of towelling work line effects may be obtained on a smooth wood ground - a floor for instance. Fancy sewing, especially in connection with buttons, is much affected." 'ihis was too much. When Mithridat.es t Oppenheimer went to seek his bride he learned that she had gone into a convent and taken tho double ex tin. black veil, remarking that nothing was left her now. to live for. Oppcnheimer has retired from the F ashion Weekly, and has now a lucrative position on The Shroad, the organ of the undertaking piofession.