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


Horace Hastings was a sober, sensible, en-
terprIsing bachelor, of some seven-and-twenty
wears, 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 bust
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 a
house, and gentle wife of his own. His Pc
cunary circumstances now warranted such
luxuries, and he resolved to marry when he
found lady just suited to his mind.
Near country village in Maine, not a thou
sand miles from Bangor, lived an old friend of
his fathers; and being on 4 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,
and 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 q guest. In the parlor were two young
ladies well dressed and quite handsome. He
was duly introduced to Miss Jane and Char
lotto, and found them accomplished and SEN
sible young ladies. Being just now very sus-
ceptible to the tender passion, he was easily
ta6 IN m
self agreeable to the hattered 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 whe 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 a
study as science, and won glancing of ad-
miration as very neat and pretty seryant-a
model of shelp.' Altogether, he thought it
was charming family When they sat at the
cheerful supper, and tasted the light home
made bread, and the sweet, fresh butter, and
the thinly sliced home-cured beef, the hot,
we'll favored tea, the eXcellency and good
taste manifested in the whole ordering, he fe-
lcitated 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-g 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 thar
her sister Jane, who was older, or Charlotte
who was younger than herself. He thought 8
little more meanIy of himself for having taken
her to be a hired girl in the family, but not {
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, ssWhich o
the three 90
In the morning, after nights sound sleeI
for he was not sufficiently in love 20 keeI
him awake-he entered the breakfast-room
and was soon joined by the two young ladie.
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 cake.
in her hand, which, from the hue of he,
cheeks, she had just been baking. If there
was blush on her cheek, any eye might sc,
it was forced there by the fire, and not by an,
sense Of degradation, on account of the effic
she so gracefully filed. She greeted the CUES
with welcome smile, deposited her load o
edibles, and returned to the kitchen, whenc'