In which every one will find his own impressions of marriage.

A friend, in speaking to you of a young woman, says:  “Good family,
well bred, pretty, and three hundred thousand in her own right.” 
You have expressed a desire to meet this charming creature.

Usually, chance interviews are premeditated.  And you speak with
this object, who has now become very timid.

  You. ­“A delightful evening!”

  She. ­“Oh! yes, sir.”

  You are allowed to become the suitor of this young person.

  The mother-in-law (to the intended groom). ­“You can’t imagine how
  susceptible the dear girl is of attachment.”

  Meanwhile there is a delicate pecuniary question to be discussed
  by the two families.

  Your father (to the mother-in-law). ­“My property is valued at
  five hundred thousand francs, my dear madame!”

  Your future mother-in-law. ­“And our house, my dear sir, is on a
  corner lot.”

  A contract follows, drawn up by two hideous notaries, a small one,
  and a big one.

  Then the two families judge it necessary to convoy you to the
  civil magistrate’s and to the church, before conducting the bride
  to her chamber.