As when Mr. Wilkie Collins made his first voyage of discovery into these unknown latitudes, the penny journals are largely used for forming matrimonial engagements, and for adjudicating upon all questions of propriety in connection with the affections.  ’It is just bordering on folly,’ ‘NANCY BLAKE’ is informed, ’to marry a man six years your junior.’  In answer to an inquiry from ‘LOVING OLIVIA’ whether ’an engaged gentleman is at liberty to go to a theatre without taking his young lady with him,’ she is told ’Yes; but we imagine he would not often do so.’

Some tender questions are mixed up with others of a more practical sort.  ‘LADY HILDA’ is informed that ’it is very seldom children are born healthy whose father has married before he is three-and-twenty; that long engagements are not only unnecessary but injurious; and that washing the head will remove the scurf.’  ‘LEONE’ is assured that ’it is not necessary to be married in two churches, one being quite sufficient;’ that ’there is no truth in the saying that it is unlucky to marry a person of the same complexion;’ and that ’a gentle aperient will remove nettle-rash.’

‘VIRGINIE’ (who, by the way, should surely be VIRGINIUS) is thus tenderly sympathised with: 

’It does seem rather hard that you should be deprived of all opportunity of having a tete-a-tete with your betrothed, owing to her being obliged to entertain other company, although there are others of the family who can do so; still, as her mother insists upon it, and will not let you enjoy the society of her daughter uninterrupted, you might resort to a little harmless strategy, and whenever your stated evenings for calling are broken in on that way, ask the young lady to take a walk with you, or go to a place of amusement.  She can then excuse herself to her friends without a breach of etiquette, and you can enjoy your tete-a-tete undisturbed.’

The photographs of lady correspondents which are received by the editors of most of these journals are apparently very numerous, and, if we may believe their description of them, all ravishingly beautiful.  It is no wonder they receive many applications of the following nature: 

’CLYDE, a rising young doctor, twenty-two, fair, with a nice house and servants; being tired of bachelor life, wishes to receive the carte-de-visite of a dark, fascinating young lady, of from seventeen to twenty years of age; no money essential, but good birth indispensable.  She must be fond of music and children, and very loving and affectionate.’

Another doctor: 

’Twenty-nine, of a loving and amiable disposition, and who has at present an income of L120 a year, is desirous to make an immediate engagement with a lady about his own age, who must be possessed of a little money, so that by their united efforts he may soon become a member of a lucrative and honourable profession.’

How the ‘united efforts’ of two young people, however enthusiastic, can make a man an M.D. or an M.R.C.S. (except that love conquers all things) is more than one can understand.  The last advertisement I shall quote affects me nearly, for it is from an eminent member of my own profession: