The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-07-13
UNCLE PHILIPS EXPERIENCE
IN
CHOOSING A WIFE.
(Concluded From First Page.)

invitations. L attended strictly to nv bus
iness, and within three years, the senior
partner withdrew from the firm, leaving
me in his place, which was now we'll
qualified to fill. For ten years l held
that place; and then, thinking had ac-
cumulated money enough to live in luxu-
ry all the rest of my life, to say nothing
Of my inherited wealth, l quietly with.
drew myself from business and buying
beautiful mansion in the pleasant coun-
ty village Of c., and hiring first rate
housekeeper, resolved to settle down
and enjoy life the rest of my days.
But soon found that l could not en-
JOY life very well alone. wanted pleas
ant, good-natured, Intellectual companion
to chat and laugh, and play and sing to
me when felt weary and dispirited-in
short, l wanted wife. knew I could
get one easy enough any time. for was a
very good-looking bachelor of forty, quite
wealthy, and withal, an equal match for
any young lady Of the village. But the
trouble was, l was doubtful about being
able to get such wife as l wanted-for
had grown wonderful fastidious in my
bachelorship. But then, thought /, l must
not expect for perfection; SO if they have
not too glaring faults, I'll try and find
wife among the village maidens.
So the next Sunday evening 1 dressed
up in my best, brushed my hair uncom-
monty nice, and sailed out to call upon
Squire Smiths daughter Julia. This la
dy was about twenty-five years of age,
rather plain, though not positively home
ly-a very good player upon the piano,
and fine singer. Twas very much pleas
ed with her manners she conversed free.
ly upon history, politics and travels, and
showed hnrself well acquainted with them
all. was highly delighted with my first
visit, and my dreams Il at night, were
pretty freely interspersed with sweet Wis.,
ions of Julia Smith. The next Wednes-
day afternoon | called again. Julia en-
tertained me very agreeably until the sup
per hour, and my opinion of her WAS
gradually becoming very elevated.
AT tea, l made some remark upon the
excellence OF the biscuits, and ventured to
ask Julia if she made them.
mo indeed n replied she, I'D have YOU
to know, Mr.. Varney. don't soil my
hands with housework."
shell never do for me, then" thought
/, for, though | never want my wife to
work, l don't think she should be ashamed
to-"
That was my last visit, at Squire
Smiths. The next Sunday evening ] de-
ternined to call upon Miss Lucy Logan, a
neighbor's daughter, and see if l should
meet with any better luck. But a single
glance at Lucy, when entered, convinc-
ed me that she was not such n wife as
should want. Her faded and tattered
dress was covered from head to foot with
spots Of grease and dirt-her hair hadn't
hecn combed for a week, and her face was
not extra clean. Ibid not make a very
long stay, neither did l visit her again
And it WAS just so everywhere else; eve-
ry one had some glaring defect that |
could not overlook-and finally gave il
up entirely. But had got the reputa.
ton Of being wife hunter, and the vii
lage was no longer very pleasant TO me.
So sold my house, packed up my things
and came bere to spend my days in peace
and quiet. bought this cottage, hired
Marcy for housekeeper, and settled down
here, resolving to live and die an old bach
eior."
'And where is Alline Forester, now ~
A shade Of deep sorrow passed over
Uncle Philips countenance as he re
Piled
Alline Forester, my dear girl, now
sleeps in felon's grave. She got into a
quarrel with high spirited young man,
whom she had basely deceived, and final
ly killed him. She was apprehended, and
while awaiting her trial, poisoned her
self.
"And now, my dear Marie" said Un-
Gle Philip, kindly, laying his wrinkled
hand amid my curly hair, 4 wish you 10
draw a useful lesson from this truthful &C
count Of my history. From Estelle Mont
gomery learn never to form such friend
ships until you are sure they will be last
ing. From Amanda Sinclair learn not to
give way to passionate temper. From
J essie Irving learn to beware Of trifling
with serious matters. And from Alline
Forester, to beware Of coquetry, for it is
the most heartless vice maiden can be
guilty of-for it will most surely lead her
10 disgrace and ruin. Many, very MANY
young ladies have los. excellent husbands
ny pretending 10 false fastidiousness be
ing afraid, like Julia Smith, to soil their
pretty hands with homework. And ma.
nv others, also, like Lucy Logan, have lost
good settlement in life, by not paying
sufficient attention to the appearance Of
their own persons. Sensible young men
do not wish to see those whom thew
would make their wives, dressed out in
satin, feathers and jewels; but they do
wish to see them dressed neatly and taste.
fully. even il it is in sixpenny Calico
And really sensible young ladies, instead
Of allowing their thoughts to be entirely
Of dresses, parties, and conquests, will re-
alize that the only true beauty Is that Of
the mind.
a H.. e