Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1847-07-22
Choosing u Wife---A Practical Story.
BY LADY.

| had a cousin, clever, charming girl. She
could dance gracefully, draw beautifully, sr.t
play dIvinely; she was most delightful cont
pa non, being both sensible and why, and she
could also perform any sort OF household wnrk
The latter she was compelled To do for iheTn
was large family of them. My aunt being
able to afford TO keep more than one sersan,
and nv cousin Ellen being the eldest, goI1
deal of labor fell to her share. Tins she did
not much mind, but always performed II cheer
fully and WELL only taking care that II should
no, be known among her acquaintance tearing.
if il were, she should lose the respect aud cnn-
sidera,ion her superior address and accomplish
menls everywhere ensured her; aud as she wa.
a, all times seen dressed like lady, and never
at anv occupation more useful Ihan knitting.
knotting. or worsled work, no one suspected
her of being able to do what she really did
cannot saw she was without lovers, Tor she was
univ ersay admired aud sough HI; but somehow
the young men seemed unanimously to sci her
down for a fine lady, and she had completed
her tweniy-second year without having had an
offer Her companions all marvel!ed that shes
should remain single so long; and among the
rest, thought IL very odd that though there was
often an actual contention for her at ball, aud
no one wished 10 secure her as parlner Tor
life
Among our inmates was gentleman, DIS
tanly related 10 my husband, who, had often
suspected, greatly admired my cousin Ellen,
but still he made no proposal. By mere ehane7
ascerlained that she regarded him with ieei-
ings more favorable than she had ever enter
laned for another; and as the match seemed str
suitable, resolved to find out what kept 'hen'
apart A long teie-a-tete had one evening
with the gentleman favored my design. After
conversing for time on various subjects, we
began 10 talk of our female acquainlances, and
in order TO disarm suspicion, purposeiy avoid
ed mentioning Ellen's name
"l's unaccounlabe to me, Philip" SAID /.
shat you don't begin 10 look Ou, for vile
you know what an advocate | am for marImo-
ny, and positively if you become an old hache-
lor, Ill cut your acquaintance altogether
Il have no such intention, assure you an
swered Philip, "and, to speak The truth, haze
been seeking wife for long time past
"lndeed! and you so impressed with The
idea of your own excelencies, that you cannot
fad woman worthy of you1" asked.
Not so" replied Philip; 'but fear the wo~-
man am most charmed with is not ht VILE
for me. | cannot marry mere tine lady anh-
yet | require an accomplished woman MY
wife must be cultivated and refined, and shoo'o
| like that she possessed personal charms, many
such women have known; but then she must
be amiable, and though quite at home IN tn"
dra wing room, she must also understand the de-
tails of house kepng, and be competent TO man
age family, to drect-he servants, and to lake
the servants place, if need be-"
"Why, i, is~a rare avis, indeed, that you re-
ouire," said |. laughing =" | admire your mod
| Il, I Dui
supposing you W ere TO find such phOenN, whar.
may ask, do you propose as an equivalent
or, do you imagine your own pretty f'erson, The
privilege Of bearing your name, and making tho
mos, of your income, would cop Sltuie fair
exchange? What could you offer to induce
such rare piece of perfeetion 10 accept you
for her lord and master"
"What could offer!" returned Philip, with
warmth "why would offer myself, not, mind
you after the fashion of too many young men
of tho present day. | would bind myself To her.
| body and soul. For snch a woman | would
toll like slave, if it were necessary for such
woman. | do not say | would die-,hal is
tame--but for such woman, would live; |
would shield her f.om evil | would tighten
her of every care; would surround her with
every comfort; in short. would dedicate my
whole existence 10 the promotion 0! her haPPl-
ness"
Gently, gently !" cried !, +" moderate yonr
transports, AID tell me if you know any lady
who approaches near The perfection that you
demand %
! 81 know one," be replied. slightly hesi'aIing.
{" that would give much to learn possesses one
or two of The requisles-some, kg"w she has.
but the most essential, ] fear, She eanis. LIS
ten TO me- my friend. am, al plesen IN -four
shing circumstances, bot how be sure
they will continue Now, ! all, resolved new
or 10 marry a woman who Is not thorough
housekeeper. Accomplished besu'ies too often
prove The ruin of their husbands: aud. besides.
| cannot afford to maintain expensive esiab-
lishmenl. Now your cousin Ellen Is the most
loveable creature | ever bsheld, hui then, Is she
not fine lady. unable 10 exist without servants
10 wait on her."
1 "By no means" answered '' Ellen Is
notable as she is accomplished and reined
everything 10 The house is under her direction.
and all the order you observe IN 'heif done4'l.