Victorian Missed Connections

Pam Epstein compiles Craigslist-like ads from the New York Herald:

Liederkranz Ball Beautiful young girl with rosy cheeks and bright blue eyes under black mask and laughs like a siren: wore wine-colored satin domino, pearl headdress and jewelry; white camellias; waltzed like a fairy with tall Spanish gentleman; gentleman of high social reputation asks the liberty of an honorable introduction. Address Strictly Honorable, Herald uptown office.

Feb. 16, 1879

(Illustration from Flickr user "T"eresa, via Neatorama)