could be of the least service. The stranger, who had assumed a confidence in his mission, assured him with much of seriousness, that of all men, he (Mr. D-) had the most in his power-his future happiness-his life-his all was in his hands; at the same time taking a tolerably accurate survey of our friend's dimensions, who was a tall man, somewhat near six feet-of good proportions, and reasonably handsome in his person; his healthy florid look bespeaking him a native of the old country; and proceeded to say in something louder than a half whisper-tone, whilst ever and anon he looked around to assure himself that no other party were likely to disturb their privacy, that he had calledand here he paused for a moment, until the attentive ear, and manner of Mr. D— again encouraged him to proceed; that in short he had called at the desire and particular request of his wife, who was young, and as the world would probably admitwell looking, if not handsome. He again paused, while Mr. D- again assured him, in his usual kind and bland manner, that he would indeed be exeeedingly happy to do ought that might lay within his power that could either serve him, or his wife. Just so-just so, responded his friendly visitant; so indeed Mrs. — (mentioning his wife's name) assured me, and that she was very certain you would be most happy to assist us in our present difficulty: for I will tell you, added he in an under, or more subdued tone, she has often seen you, Mr. D—, particularly on Sundays, when passing our house on

going to church; and as I have allowed her to make her own choice-to consult her own taste and fancies altogether in the matter, she has requested I would arrange the affair with you with as little delay as possible.

Our friend, who was rather uninstructed in the ways and mysteries of fashionable life, or the incidents or secrets of American society, was rather dull to comprehend, and who, good easy man, never for a moment contemplated, that immorality, or improprieties of any kind, were intended to grow out of this arrangement, betrayed some anxiety that his American visitant, should come more immediately to the point, by a full disclosure of his object; and who encouraged by the earnestness with which the request was made, at once explained-that unfortunately, Mrs. (his wife) and he, did not live quite as harmoniously or contented in their situation, as married folks were generally wont to do; their intimacy was irksome-their temper and tastes dissimilar their society disagreeable to each other, and in short, that they had both determined upon an immediate and final separation. A divorce, Sira divorce, (raising his voice to a higher pitch), nothing else, Mr. D—, can ever satisfy us.

Mr. D- looked, as he felt, unusually serious :his general good sense-the portion of worldly prudence for which he was remarkable, at once pointed out the impropriety of an interference in the most thorny and intricate of all questionsthe quarrels of married life :-yet, he thought as he

was thus appealed to, he might venture a few words of friendly admonition; and pointing out the evil consequences of disunion, urged his friend to return immediately to his wife; to endeavour by a kind and generous forgiveness, and the practice of a mutual forbearance for the future, to end, or at least to mitigate the evils of which he complained, and thereby supersede the necessity of any legal interposition in the settlement of their disputes. His visitor, however, was not quite so easily put aside. It required something more of philosophy, and a more convincing argument than our friend could call to his assistance, to dissuade him from a purpose so near to his heart. His mind, he said, as also his wife's, were fully made up upon the subject -their entire future course already marked out, and nothing-nothing short of a divorce-an absolute separation would ever satisfy either. Mr. D- had nothing further to add, beyond his extreme regret, that there had been any cause he had conceived, sufficient to justify any such proceeding as he now contemplated. Cause-any cause to justify!--rejoined the American. No, no; there's the difficulty-the perplexing position in which we are both placed. There is as yet no cause—at least, no legal cause, to warrant an application of the kind. I saw the difficulty-my wife saw the vexatious and perplexing dilemma in which we were both placed, and for that reason am I now here on a special mission to you, Mr. D—, hoping you may obviate it. It is now in your

power to make us both supremely happy; and concluded this strange recital of his woes and suffering, by a pressing invitation to Mr. D—, to pay both him and his wife an early visit.

The mist that at the outset had clouded our friend's perception, gave way to a more intelligible solution of his very unexpected position, and who having at length suspected the project, in which it was intended he should assume a principal part, rose from his seat, indignant at the insult offered to his character and virtue; and inquired from this consistent and considerate husband, if it were really possible he could be aware of the nature of the proposition he had thus addressed to him—or of the fact, that should have exempted him from insult that he was himself a married man, with a wife and several children. Certainly-most certainly, explained his new acquaintance. I am aware of all this-so is my wife. Nay!-it was on this very account, above all others, that she first mentioned you to me, being sure of your discretion, in not taking any advantage of this proposition, beyond what is now offered to you. Our friend could restrain himself no longer, but advancing a few paces, beckoned his visitant to the door, through where he was making his exit, muttering to himself --and complaining of the unreasonable and unneighbourly conduct of Mr. D—, as we were about to enter. It is needless to say that our friend's vanity was neither flattered, nor his self-respect in any manner increased by this very extraordinary interview.

Marriages, contracted in England by parties who afterwards emigrate to the United States, are sometimes made subject to inconvenience, if disavowed by either on their landing; the laws generally in force throughout the Republic, requiring under such circumstances a legal attestation of such marriage, under the seal of the Archdiocese of Canterbury, before that they will enforce its obligations. Of this, many heartless and unprincipled individuals take advantage, and who cannot, without such evidence, be charged with the crime of bigamy, in the event of fraudulently contracting any other, or second marriage.

Drunkenness is a vice with which the American can scarcely be charged, though generally speaking, a much larger quantity of spirits of all kinds, in proportion to the population, is used, than in the United Kingdom, or perhaps by any other people in the world. The child scarcely quits his mother's breast in the United States, than he finds a congenial substitute, either in the raw material, or in some of the nauseating compounds of "mint julaps"brandy, or gin sling". eggnog," and the variety of " cocktails," of which ardent spirits form the principal ingredient. The great variation in the climate-the excessive and debilitating heat of summer, with the extreme severity of the winter months, in the middle and northern States, no doubt encourages this general inclination of the American to continue tippling, which he usually commences at his first rising, and to which he recurs

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