"I WANT A WIFE."

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 62, 13 March 1878, Page 4

"I WANT A WIFE."

Sid Macoiriber said he had everything in bis store, "from a jack-knife to a pulpit, and from a cambric needle !o a clop o' thunder," But even Sid would have to acknowlege himself "just out of the article" if n needy customer had called on him to famish a wife. Here is an instance where a London merchant outdid a Yankee tradesman : An officer of the army who was going out to India to join his regiment recently made all his purohasea of a famed West End establishment, where the boast is that everything can be had there, cheap and of the best. Tbe customer was such a large buyer that the proprietor, contrary to. usage, Btepped forward to thank him, and to express a hope that the officer was perfectly satisfied and been able to find everything he required. The captain thanked the proprietor, and answered: "Nearly all." " Not al ?" was the quiet query of the proprietor; not all, I hope sir we could find you every tiling?" " Why, it is out of your line!" "Out of our line? Not at, all, sir." "Oh, you are quite sure of that, are you." " Quite cer'ain, sir." "Well, then," continued the coptain, laughingly, "I wont a wi/e.'' "Step this way, sir;" and the astonished military man followed. He went through strange labarinths and up and down stairs innumerable. En route the proprietor communicated these facia: About three or four months prior, a beautiful, highly educated girl, of good family, who had lost her parents, and with them all resources, applied to him for employment. He ha<l, after listening to her story, been touched by her friendless situation, gave her employment, and he had found her a worthy and exemplary girl. The Captain suw and admired. He bought of her and introduced himself. He came often, bought, more, and upon inquiry found all particulars to have been faithfully stated. Hie manners and appearance pleased the girl, and when he told her the story of how his last want had been mentioned to the proprietor of the establishment, it ended in a hearty laugh on both sides — but after the laugh they were married within three days, and they are now on their way to India.— London Miscellany, t