Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-06-01
GaOtes department,
Choosing a Wife,

had cousin, clever charming girl. She would
dance gracefully, draw beautifully and play divney:
she was most delightful companion, being both SEN
sbe and witty; and she could also perform any sort
of household work The latter she was compelled to
do, for there was large family of them. My aunt
being unable to keep more than one servant and my
cousin Ellen being the oldest, good deal of labor
fell to her share. This she did not much mind but
always performed it cheerully and well, only taking
that it should not be known among her acqualnt-
ance, fearing, 1T wore she should lose the respect
and consideration her superior address and
plishments every where insured her. and as she was
at all times seen dressed like lady, and never at any
occupation more useful than knitting, or knottng
worsted work, no one suspected her of being able to
do what she really did. cannot say she was with
out lovers, for she universally admired and sought
but somehow the young men seemed unanimously to
set her down as fine lady, and she had completed
her twcuty-sccond year without having an Offer Her
companions all marvellcd that she should remain
single so long; and l. among the rest thought it very
odd that though there often actual contention
for her at ball, yet one wished to secure her as
partner for life.
Among our intimates was gentleman distantly re-
lated to my husband, who, | had often suspected
greatly admired my cousin Ellen, but still he made no
proposal. By chance, Iascertaned that she re-
garded him with feelings more favorable than she had
ever entertained for anohera and as the match seemed
so suitable resolved to find out what kept them a
part A long tete-a-tete had one evening with the
gentleman favored my design. After conversing for
a time various subjects, we began to talk of our
female acquaintance, and in order to dsarm susp-
cion, proposely avoided mentioning Ellen's name
1T is unaccountable to me, Philip said that you
don't begin to look out for wife; you know what an
advocate ain for matrimony, and positively, if you
become an old bachelor shall cut your acquain-
lance altogether
4 have no intention assure you,' answered Philip
and to speak the TRUTH have been seeking wife
for a long time past
Indeed! are you so impressed with the idea Of your
own excellence, chat you cannot find woman worthy
Of you?' | asked
Not So replied Philip; but fear the woman am
most charmed with is not fit wife for me- | cannot
marry mere fine lady, and yet require an accom-
plished woman. My wife must be cultivated and po-
lite, and should like that she possessed personal
charms; many such women have I known; but then
she must be amable and though quite at home in the
drawngroom she must also understand the details of
housekeeping, and be compelled to manage family,
to direct the servants and to take the servants place,
if need be-
why, it is rara aics, indeed, that you require
said l. laughing; admire your modesty, young gen
deman, l must confess, and supPosng you were to
find such phoenix, what may ask, do you propose
as an equivalent, or do you imagine your own pretty
person, the privilege of bearing your name, and max
inc the most of your income would constitute fair
exchange? What could you offer to induce such a
rare piece of perfection to accept you for her lord and
MASTER?
'What could oher| returned Philip, with warmth;
why, could offer myself, not, mind you after the
fashion of too many young men of the present day
should bind myself to her, body and soul. For such
woman would toll like slave, if it were necessa-
ry; for such woman do not say would die-that
is tame; but for such woman would live; | would
shield her from evil; would tighten her of every CARE
would surround neF WIFI every comfort; IN Short,
would dedicate my whole existence to the promotion
of her happiness
Gently, gentlyp cried l; moderate your transport
and tell me fyou know any lady who approaches near
the perfection you demand"
4 know one' he replied, slightly hesitating that
would give much to, possesses one or two of the
qusitcs-some, know she has but the most essen
tial | fear she wants. Listen to me, friend. am at
present in fourishing circumstances, but how can
be sure they will continue? Now | am resolved new
er to marry woman who is not thorough house
keeper. Accomplished beauties too often prove the
ruin of their husbands and besides, cannot afford tc
maintain on expensive establishment, Now your cou-
sin Ellen is the most lovable creature ever beheld
but thenis she not fine lady, unable to exist without
servants to wait on her"
BY no means' answered. ELLEN is as notable as
she is accomplished and refined; everything in the
house is under her direction and the order you observe
in their domestic arrangements is the effect of hel
good management
you surprise mel exclaimed Philip; may surely
you lest. To confess the truth, have, in order tt
discover her sentiments sometimes limited at the use
fulness Of woman's education; but she has 90 con