The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1838-05-16
HOW TO MAKE A YOUNG WIFE
r. OF AN OLD MAID.

The following true story might, per-
haps, furnish matter for liile comedy,
II comedies we're still written in England.
II is generally the case that the more
beautiful and the richer young FINALE
is. the more difficult are both her parents
and herself in the choice Of husband,
and the more offers they refuse. The one
is too tall, the other tho short, this not
wealthy. that not respectable enough.
Meanwhile one spring passes afler an
other, and wear after year carries away
leaf after leaf of the blOnm Of youth. and
opportunity afsrr opportunity. Miss Har-
RET Selwood was the richest heiress in
her native town; but she had already
completed her tWenly-seventh year, and
beheld almost all her young friends Gni-
ted 10 men whom she had al one time or
other discarded. Harriet hogan to he set
down for an old maid Her parents be.
came really uneasy, and she herself Ia
men.ed in private position which Is not
natural one, and to which those 10 whom
nature and fortune have been uiggarily
of their gifts are Obliged 10 submit: but
Harriet, as we have said, was both hand.
some and very rich.
Such was the state Of things, when her
uncle. a wealthy merchant in the north
Of England, came on a visit TO her pa
rents. lie was josisl, lively, straight
forward man. accustomed TO attack all
difficulties boldly and coolly. ." You
see," said her father IN him one day,
Harriet continues single. The girl IL
handsome; what she is to have for her
fortune YOU know; even in this scandal
loving town not a creature can breathe
the sligh,es, imputAsion against her; and
yet she is getting 10 be an old maid"
"True," replied the uncle; ~ but look
you, brother, the grand point in every az
fair in this world is 10 seize the right mo-
men'; this Won have not done; il is mis-
fortune, but let the girl 90 along with me.
and before the end Of three months | will
return her to YOU as the wife Of young
man wealthy as herself"
Away went the niece with Che uncle.
On tie way home he thus addressed her:
Mind what am going TO say. You
are no longer Miss Selwond, but Mrs.
I'umley, my niece, young, wealthy.
widow; you had the misfortune to lose
your husband, Col. Lumley. after hap
py union Of a quarter of a year. BY fall
from his horse while hunting"
But uncle -"
Let me manage. if you please. Mrs.
Lumley. Your father has invested me
with full powers. Here, look you, is the
wedding ring given you by your late
husband. Jewels and whatever else you
need, your aunt will supply you with;
and aeeustOm yourself to cast down your
eyes,"
The keen-wit'ed ANGLE introduced his
niece every where, and every whore the
young widow excited a great sensation.
he gentlemen Ihrouged about her, and
she soon hal her choire out Of twenty
sui'ors. Her uacle advised her TO accept
,he one who was deepest in love with
mel and rare chance decreed that this
should be precisely the most amiable and
Tue most opu!ent. The match was soon
c1hcluoed' and one day the uncle desir-
ed 10 say few words to his future ne.
phew in private.
NY dear SIR" he began, I" we have
told YOU an unruth."
How So! Are Mrs. Lumley's alIec-
tons"
"NO;hing Of the kind; my niece is sim
cere'y attached 10 you"
.on,, i" a her fortune. I suppose, is not
On The contrary it is larger"
Wei, what is the matter. them"
"a Joke an innocen, joke, which came
into my head one day, when | was in a
good humor; We could not we'll recall i,
afterwards. My niece is not widow. :"
i" What! is Col Lumly liyingr'
i" No. no. she is spln..er."
The lover protested tha, he was han.
per fellow than 10 had owe. conceived