VERY DESIRABLE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 17, 23 April 1892, Page 429

VERY DESIRABLE.

Carlyle refers, with just severity, to the fact that a man once characterized another as ‘ a gentleman.’ on the ground that he ‘ kept a gig.’ A similar guarantee of respectability was that quoted in Murray's Magazine, in regard to a Russian servant Koris, whom the maid of the family intended to marry. Says the mistress of the household : Koris, both as a soldier and a servant, is the sonl of fidelity and trustworthiness, but he has his failings, and they are such as to make me doubt his merits as a husband. Koris, like too many of his countrymen, loves vodka to excess, and in his cups Koris is Koris no longer. A raving, howling madman takes his place ; a madman who roars, sings and yells until he falls, a shameful inert mass, on the ground, there to lie until he can rise and shake aimself free from the murderous liquor.

With shaking limbs, he staggers off to the bath, and first boils and then freezes himself, in orthodox Russian fashion. However, this refreshing process restores his senses, and ere long, arrayed with military neatness and precision, he presents himself composed and taciturn, before his master. Vain are reproaches or advice. ‘ A man must enjoy himself sometimes, excellency,’ is invariably his calm reply. But such being the habits of the suitor, I thought it my duty to speak to the girl. • Anitscka,’ said I, ‘ are you going to marry Koris ?’ • Indeed, yes, little mother.’ • Do you love Koris ?’ • How should I know, little mother ?’ was the bashful reply. • But surely,' continued I, •if you do not know whether you love him or not, why not wait till you find a better man ?’

‘ A better man than Koris, little mother ? No, that would not be possible. Koris has a horse, little mother, and a cart. Oh, there is no one like him ’’