The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1870. THE REWARD OF VIRTUE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 197, 22 August 1870, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1870. THE REWARD OF VIRTUE.

In novels both ancient and modern, we are accustomed to find, after the hero has been led through scenes of danger and distress, and the heroine has had poured upon her devoted head all the evils possible for the author to imagine — he having triumphed over his foes by superhuman courage, and she having emerged pure and lovely from all temptations — one bright reward is bestowed at its close as a perfect solace for past evils. The tale ends with the union of the blessed beings in the holy bauds of wedlock. Some such thought must have been in the minds of both our contemporaries t upon the annexation of the Grey district to Nelson. Both indulge in matrimonial comparisons, and, while deprecating the arbitrary conduct of the guardians of the bride, they describe the union in language redoleut of orange blossoms, bride's cake and wedding bells. The bridegroom is one of those fortunate characters who contrive to pass through life without making the acquaintance of that bane of rash and riotous youth — the money-lender. Being endowed at the outset of life with a modest estate, he has committed no brilliant follies, either to increase the value of his possessions, or to gratify his impetuous passions. Prudent and reserved, while the wealthier compauions of his early years have loaded themselves with debt, he formed a desirable catch, and the designing friends of the blushing maiden have strained their power to end his career of single blessedness. Without affording the bashful creature the opportunity of consulting his anxious and admiring friends, they have carried him, off regardless of his outraged modesty. No active steps having been taken, while there was yet time, to deliver him from his ruthless captors, scarcely even a murmur being heard about forbidding the banns, let us hope that the friends of both are agreed on the advantages of the uuion. The late Mr. Robert Burns, an active and intelligible Excise officer of the Caledonian persuasion, speaking of a lady he admired — what a number of ladies he admired ! — described her as " A winsome, wee thing ; " aud the bride now in question whether "winsome" or not — on that point opinions differ — is certainly very " wee." She comes of a family rather well known for living fast, and, if she does not add largely to the joint estate, brings with her an amount of debt enough to sober the thoughtless, aud render careful the extravagant. "Great Expectations" are entertained of her future wealth, and, counting ourselves with becoming pride among the warmest friends of her spouse, we sincerely hope they may be realised. There was a time when a strong effort was made to unite the happy groom to another bride of more mature years and equal impecuniosity, but the fates were adverse, and well-meaning friends broke off the match. Cau it be possible that our communication with America has rendered us liable to the infection of Mormonism ? We fear so, for it is whispered as not unlikely that these negotiations may be renewed and a double marriage effected. Let us trust if this is done — we are shocked even to think of it — the object of such violent affection may never be disposed to say, or sing— " How happy could I be with either Were t'other dear charmer away." Like the evils, the joys of the present are all we ought to contemplate. The ceremony is proceeding, and some desperate effort must be made if it is to be stopped. A "report"' is in circulation which induces people to believe the youDg couple will greet each other with the first words lof the marriage service — " Dearly

beloved" — we devoutly hope they will not, after a time, be disposed to regard the result with feelings expressed by the last word in the same charming ceremony — " amazement." Domestic felicity is so touching a theme; it softens all hearts, so we will not anticipate anght but prosperity, and, using a phrase not uncommon at a later epoch of married life, say to Miss Grey — " Welcome little stranger."