Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-04-16
1.-THE WIFE FOR ME. =,

Horace Hastings was a sober, sensible, en-
tcrprising bachelor, of some systematically
years, who, having obtained an excellent repu-
tuition for his industry and integrity, and hav-
lug made himself useful in the mercantile firm
in Boston, with whom he had served an ap-
premiership, was at length invited to part
nership in the firm. For some time he had
been encouraged to anticipate this elevation,
and he soberly and energetically entered upon
the new duties of his position. When busi-
ness crowded he had but little leisure to mourn
over his celibate condition; but when the hur-
rying season was over, and hours each day
hung heavy on his hands, he could not help
thinking how delightful it would be, had he
house, and gentle wife of his own. His pc
cuniary circumstances now warranted such
luxures, and he resolved to marry when he
fennd lady just suited to his mind.
Near a country village in Maine, not thou
sand miles from Bangor, lived an old friend of
his fathers; and being on collecting tour in
that region during the autumn months, he de-
termined to accept an oft-repeated invitation
to spend few days with the old gentleman,
snd sent a note announcing his coming.
At the appointed time he reached the resi-
dence of his old friend, and found that the
family were prepared and pleased to receive
him as guest. In the parlor were two young
ladies well dressed and quite handsome. He
was duly introduced to Miss Jane and Char
lotte, and found them accomplished and SEN
sible young ladies. Being just now very sus-
ceptible to the tender passion, he was easily
pleased, and exerted his power to render him
self agreeable to the f1attered maidens. He
succeeded of course. Sensible men of his age
and prospects always do when they try. And
his eye wandering in conversation, from one
handsome, intelligent face to another, he
caught himself several times mentally inqui-
ring, (Which would make the better wife ?''
The mother and neat-looking maid were
seen several times passing from the kitchen
preparing supper. The girl who set out the
table and spread the white stainless cloth, and
arranged the plates, seemed to do it gracefully
and quietly, as if she had made such duties
study as a science, and won glancing of ad-
mration as a very neat and pretty servant
model of 4 shelp.' Altogether, he thought it
was charming family. When they sat at the
cheerful supper, and tasted the light home
the thinly sliced home-cured beef, the hot,
well favored tea, the excellency and good
taste manifested in the whole ordering, he fe-
licitated himself upon having found so pleas
ant home, even if it was only for few days.
After the supper was over and the table was
cleared, third young lady, very neatly dress
ed entered the room, and was formally intro
duced to him as one of the sisters, Miss Sa-
rah. He was not little surprised to find that
the neat servant-girl whose handiwork had won
his admiration, was one of the sisters. He
found her sprightly, cheerful, and accomplish
ed, and he thought little more graceful than
her sister Jane, who was older, or Charlotte,
who was Younger than herself. He thought
little more meanly of himself for having taken
her to be hired girl in the family, but not a
whit more meanly of her for having revealed
herself in that capacity. And his perplexity
was somewhat increased as he sat down on his
bedside in the chamber to which he was shown
by his host, and said to himself, (Which of
the three ?''
In the morning, after a nights sound sleep
for he was not sufficiently in love 20 keep
him awake-he entered the breakfast-room,
and was soon joined by the two young ladies'
who had first welcomed him. Sarah was not
visible; but when they had sat down at the Ia
BILE, and Jane had poured the coffee, Sarah
came smiling in, behind clean white apron,
and with steaming pile Of buckwheat CAKES
in her hand, which, from the hue OF her
cheeks, she had just been baking. Ii there
was blush on her cheek, any eye might see
it was forced there by the fire, and not by any
sense of degradation. on account of the oflce
she SO gracefully filed. She greeted the guest
with welcome smile, deposited her load OF
edibles, and returned to the kitchen, whence