Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 December 1893 — The Entree to Society. [ARTICLE]

The Entree to Society.

Of a certain New York clubman, the Recorder tells that he became desperately enamored of a charming widow. She was not unmindful of his passion, and invited him down to dine at her place. He was something of a gourmet, and she was richly endowed with the acumulations of her first husband’s trade In some patentmedicines, the suitor anticipated a delicious little dinner which should make him appear at his very best when it came to putting the momentous question. But when they were at table, and she served him only cold ham, jelly, tea, and lemonade, his heart fell. He had never made love after a dinner like that, and he could not rekindle the flame. It was no go, and he gave it up. As he was making his adieux, the widow asked, with seemingly simplicity: “My dear Mr. W , how does one get into New York society?” His opportunity had come. It was a mean advantage, but he took it, as he replied: “By not serving lemonade at dinner!” And he hurried to the station.