"THE little story you sent me reminds me of an incident which occurred here some weeks since. A young orator was declaiming loudly against the literature of the day, and more especially 'Godey's Lady's Book.' At the conclusion of his discourse, he accepted the invitation of a merchant, living near by, to tea. The lady of the house, a young bride, took occasion to place the offensive magazine, which she has taken for the last six months, in a conspicuous position on the parlor table.
"'Well,' said he, as he entered the room and seated himself, I am really quite disconcerted to see this here.' 'Yes, it is the magazine to which you alluded in your discourse to-day, I presume.' 'Certainly it is.' 'Well,' said she, 'I think, sir, that you must have been a close student of that bad book yourself, to be so well acquainted with its contents.' He was a little disconcerted again, and made no reply. 'Now, sir, pardon me, but I should regret very much to use my influence in obtaining the names of so many of the most intelligent ladies of our village for a book so pernicious in its tendency. However, I feel confident myself that nothing will appear upon its pages which I may not safely place in the hands of my young and only daughter.'
"I have succeeded, notwithstanding the gentleman's advice, which was perhaps only a good advertisement for the 'Book,' in getting a club of eighteen names, and may still send you some more. Here are three.
"The ladies wish the back numbers. Of course, I extol your magazine. I tell them that, for beautiful engravings, elegant patterns, fine paper and type, excellent reading matter, minute descriptions of the prevailing modes, and, in short, every little matter which we ladies like so well to know, and hear, and see, it cannot be surpassed by any other book in the country. I have done. If any lady has given you a longer list of names, or a more 'substantial Valentine,' I should like to know it, that I may outdo her.
"M. H."
"You are a popular man in this neighborhood, and whatever we can do for you will be done with pleasure.
"B. & Co., Ala."
L. A. GODEY, ESQ.—DEAR SIR: For the last six months I have been travelling through the Western States, and I am glad to see with what joy the 'Lady's Book' is welcomed. I frequently had an opportunity of scanning its contents, and was never better pleased than when once I asked a lady to lend me her number; she looked up, and, with a mischievous smile, asked if I was a subscriber. Receiving an affirmative answer, she handed me the 'Book,' saying: You are welcome to read it; but I never lend it to any one who will not subscribe.'
"I only arrived at home last week; and, on Saturday evening, as my wife and self were indulging in a romp with our B——, the 'Book' was brought in. This put an end to the romp, for my wife at once commenced examining the patterns, &c. 'See, is not this beautiful? Won't this look pretty on Frank's sack? I wonder how Mr. Godey manages to collect so great a variety of fashions?' And questions of similar import followed each other in rapid succession for some time. But at length a change came o'er her mind: with an arch and quizzing look, she asked if I had paid this year's subscription. You know what my answer was, and I know what it will be hereafter. So here is your three dollars, and much good may it do you, for I am sure to get the worth of my money.
"Mrs. B. says you must send a receipt, for she wants your autograph. Direct the 'Book' to her as heretofore, and oblige yours truly,
"P. R. B."
BARNUM.—The great Barnum is elected president of the Crystal Palace Association in New York. There is now some hope of its success. There was none under the former administration, for a more decided old fogy concern we never heard of—kid-gloved gentry, who had about as good an idea of managing an establishment like the Crystal Palace as they had of earning the money which their fathers left them.
CARRYL'S CURTAIN ESTABLISHMENT, NORTH-WEST CORNER OF FIFTH AND CHESTNUT STREET.—It was generally remarked by the wholesale merchants who made their purchases at this establishment for the spring trade, that they found no such variety in any place either in New York or this city. Prices they state are also very reasonable. Mr. Carryl furnishes suits of curtains for from $25 to $200. We will attend to the purchase of curtains from Mr. Carryl. We require the size of the rooms and windows, and general character and color of the furniture.
WHITE'S BONNETS.—Our orders for these beautiful spring bonnets are amazingly on the increase. On a late visit to his establishment, we were astonished at the amount of his business. At least two hundred boxes were ready for the different express lines.