Castle, Inverness-shire, to Miss Eleanor Fitz-Patrick ; and Sir Alfred Douglas, Bart. of Douglas Priory, in Mid-Lothian, and Bowmont Manor in Yorkshire, to Miss Howard, the lovely and accomplished heiress of Barnard Castle. Among the company present we observed Lady Susan Danvers, Lady and the Misses Montague, Hon. Mrs Clifford, Miss C. and Miss A. Clifford, Miss Murray, Miss Porson, Hon. Col. Pendarvis, Major Foley, Sir C. Fletcher, Captain M'Tartan, and a numerous party of distinguished friends. Among the on dits in society it is currently reported that Lady Susan Danvers once listened herself into the good graces of Sir Colin Fletcher with such persevering patience, that, though a single yawn would have ruined her prospects for ever, he actually, with much circumlocution, came at last to the point. The fair lady having long had a ready-made attachment at the service of any very eligible match that offered, was found propitious on the present occasion, and lawyers and milliners are already in the full activity of preparation. Captain M'Tartan was the only man at the Senior United Service Club who perceived much cause for astonishment, when he one day found himself unexpectedly promoted to be an admiral, and honoured with a Guelphic ribbon, in consequence of his spirited conduct on board the "Champion, 74," of which particulars were given in his despatches, dated the 15th September. Sir Donald M'Tartan, having been little on shore, is firmly persuaded that every young lady has much the same characteristics-that they are all good-tempered, lively, fond of music, dress and gaiety—ready to marry the first man who asks them, and so smitten with epau lettes, that they will admire one on naval-blue shoulders when not to be seen upon scarlet. Since he became an admiral, Miss Charlotte Clifford, who, to the certain knowledge of her numerous confidantes, had already refused or discouraged every other gentleman living, seemed in danger of finding it necessary to be in love with Sir Donald, when, to her great surprise, he announced an engagement to Miss Adelaide Montague." Major Foley, having been quartered in Ireland lately with his regiment, was filled with dismay one morning to find that his little, well-turned compliments, and trifling civilities, were carefully registered in the heart and in the head of a fair Hibernian, possessing, among other irresistible recommendations, a squadron of brothers. Having been assured by them in strong terms of the pleasure with which they all anticipate a nearer connexion, he has found it impossible to disappoint them, and the marriage will take place at Tipperary without delay. Colonel Pendarvis succeeded lately to Yorkton Abbey and the accumulated hoards of that avaricious old aunt, respecting whose penurious habits it had formerly been his amusement to relate so many anecdotes; but, with the estate, he seems to have unexpectedly inherited all her saving propensities; and the very customs which he ridiculed in her have been, almost without exception, adopted by himself, while they are observed with ridicule and contempt by his younger brothers. Nanny Muckleraith is at last restored to perfect composure and peace of mind. She can bear to see Martha the happy wife of William Grey. She has even learnt to rejoice in their contentment; while she devotes her own time to the charge of a school lately established in the village of Claupibroch, where in useful and active employment she finds a degree of happiness never expe rienced before. The only fault her scholars find with their teacher is on account of her being extremely rigid about discouraging all excesses in dress, and invariably confiscating the necklaces of glass beads and the gilt earrings in which the girls delight to adorn themselves. Dr Murray, it is whispered, will probably be Moderator of the General Assembly next year; and as no event of equal importance ever occurred before in the annals of his sister's life, he has found occasion to exercise the most indulgent forbearance in suffering a multitude of pleasing anticipations and active preparatory measures, with which she is already persecuting his few hours of leisure. Mr Armstrong is commissioned, by a friend who entertains the highest opinion of his taste and judgment, to choose some first-rate pictures abroad, for which firstrate prices will, of course, be exacted; and he has lately been exhibiting one or two " perfect gems" in London, which the Duke of Cairngorum and other connoisseurs pronounce to be chef-d'œuvres, beyond all price. Miss Marabout and Miss Porson are both at present looking out for situations as "finishing governesses," having each obtained the most satisfactory testimonials from a variety of distinguished families, to whom references can be given. Both profess to teach all the usual branches of education, music, drawing, and languages, besides every kind of useless or useful knowledge, and also, as Miss Marabout expresses herself— "PRINCIPLES OF COURSE." EDINBURGH: PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE AND CO., PAUL'S WORK. |