HUNTING AN HEIRESS.

 

 The Paris correspondent of the Daily News says that Mrs. MACKAY, the wife of the Californian millionaire, has expressed to a Boulevardier journalist her indignation at   the report that her daughter is engaged to Prince de Bourbon. She is very angry with the Prince for having left to her the task of contradicting the report, whih she asserts was maliciously promulgated by a lady on the Figaro staff because she asked to be invited to Mrs. MACKAY’s balls and was refused.

 

 When Queen Isabella called on Mrs. MACKAY to felicitate her on the alleged engagement of her daughter the latter said:

 

 “You know madame, my opinion about titled suitors. Were a king to propose for my child be should not obtain her.”

 

 The aggrieved mother insinuates that Prince Philippe allowed, to render his creditors more patient, the absurd story to circulate. She expresses utter contempt for the fortune hunting bachelors, a race that are not tolerated in America. The recital of her tribulations is amusing in its frankness. As the mother of a supposed heiress she is not allowed a moment’s peace. The chase after her daughter is intensely keen. Every day since she left school, Mrs. MACKAY receives piles of letters from matrimonial negotiators unknown to her, who demand interviews the object of which is to assure her child’s happiness.

 

 Innumerable calls are made by men of business, who would be glad to be matchmakers; secretaries of titled personages, priests, dowagers of quality, distinguished foreigners from all parts of the globe, who have proposals of marriage to enunciate.

 

 Threatening letters also pour in. The concierge, governess, and abigails are beset with sharks wanting information about mademoiselle’s habits, tastes, favourite theatres, and hours for walking in the Bois. To escape from persecution, Mrs. MACKAY thinks of giving notice on a bill posted on her gate that, according to American habits, mademoiselle will not have any dowry, and will not have any fortune while her mother and stepfather live.

 

**********