The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-07-13
Selprtrh GalRs.
From The Star Spanglsd Banner
UNCLE PHILIPS
EXP e r. I EN- CE
In Choosing a Wife.
By SARAH ". HOWE.

Ir was bright, clear, glor,oIs winter
morning; the blue sky overhead was per
fectly cloudless, and the winter sun shonr
down upon the snow covered earth with a
CHEEKY brightness. III slcighing was ex
cellent, aud every now and then a gay
fancy sleigh would dash merrily by, its
occupants laughing and chatting in high
giee, and its silvesy bells ringing out with
most cheer chime upon the clear. frosty
air. Everything seemed gay and lively
---even the dogs that were frisking about,
looked as if they enjoyed the clear, bright
sun, and tho nnclouded azure OF the arch.
& sky,
lsssoi atmy window, gazing thouglt.
fully out upon the scene, and listening TO
the silvery ring OF the merry bells, as the
sleighs with their occupants dashed galy
by. ] had been almost sick with severe
cold forsinore than fortnight, and had
not stirred out OF the house for that time {;
bnt this morning was very much better,
and felt very strong inclination to be
out Of doors with the rest, and ENJOYING
the bright sunshine and clear, fresh air
But the subject tina. then filed my mind
was, which of,my friends il would be beat
tp call on first.
"Thc girls have all called on me siucc
have been sick, and owe them all a re-
turn" unused I, rs another sleigh with its
merry chime swept round the corner,
''there's Clara May, sister Nell told mc
wasn't very well, and ! ought to step in
and see her. And then there's Julia, and
Kate, and Lucy, aDd--ah now know
where Ill GO" suddenly exclaimed. us II
new thought entered my head, "l'll gn
down and see Uncle Philip, and make
him tell me that story he promised to-"
And forthwith donncd bonnet, shawl,
and rubbers, and was very soon on my
way to Uncle Philips pretty cottage. As
the reader is not so well acquainted with
Uncle Philip as am, it will be necessary
to enlighten him respecting this important
peasonas". .. .
Uncic Philip Varncy is confirmed o!d
bachelor Of fifty-five. Time has laid some
furrows upon brow that once bore the
impress Of manly beauty and nobleness !;
anil il has ,limmed the lustre Of that once
brilliant black eye, and has woven silver
threads amid the rich, heavy masses Of bis
raven hair. Thirty years ago, Uncle Phil.
ip was man Of remarkable personal at
fractions; and, rs he inherited large
fortune, and was, withal, we'll educated,
noble. hearted, and refned-it was consid-
cred quite q remarkable circumstance that
he still remained a crusty old bachelor.
No. NO. I was wrong in saying that |;
Uncle Philip waa not a crusty old bache.
lor. He was the beat. .naturej, sunniest.
tempered. most cheerful old fellow living
and well remember, when I was = little
thing, just old enough to get into mischief,
u ever | was threatened with punishment
for some naughty prank, had only to
run to Uncle Philip, and he was sure 10
shield me, by some kind Of an excuse for
my conduct, from mothers much feared
vengeance Consequently, q strong at
tachment was formed between myself and
Uncle Philip; which friendship has con-
stinucd unbroken 10 this day.
always wondered why such q man "A
Uncle Philip oould have been an old bach.
-cIor; and had very ofen asked him IN
tell me what the reason " "A. but he had
- often waived the question by answering
that It was long story. and he would
tell me about il sometime. And Il was
with firm dissemination to convince In
ole Philip that the long deferred 1some.
time had certainly como, that I placed
my hand upon the knob Of Uncle Philips
door on that bright, frosty morning.
8 .Ah, you little chicken, is that you r.
said Uncle Philip, gaily. taking down his
heels frosn the mantle-piece, and throwine
ssiis his morning newspaper, as entered.
The old housckeepeE Marcy, with many
ankIous Questions about my health, assist
ed me TO diseucamber myself Of bonnet
snd shawl, while Uncle Philip stuffed the
store fai! ~ wood, and drew out the great
es,sh;oned rocking chair for iny reception.
nNow, Uncle PhiIip.n snid /. after We
had ehafted away fcr sometime ON var.
cas ssSjseis, Il have : favor 20 xsk ol
you.S