The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-05-11
THE BARGAIN FOR A WIFE.

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q ,in;tcd canitaI, found that two things want
ing to do Justice to a large farm which he rented
on a long leasc-namely, wife to rule the mousse
nj home, and an additional thousand pounds to
invest upon the land. Like sagaciOus man, he
conceived that the two might be found combined,
and he began to look about for cheerful lass with
q dowerv to the desired amount. Accident threw
him one day into company with the parSon OF a
nciehboring parish, with whom, as he rode home
while returning from market, he fell into CONVEX
sation. Encouraged by the divine, the youth I'M
burdened himself of his cares and plans, and mcn-
toned the desire he had for marrying as soon as he
could find an agreeable lass with moderate
dOwery.
Il tell you what" said the Parson, Owe got
three daughters, and very nice girls they are,
assure YOU. Suppose you come and dine with me
next market lav-you will meet them at the table;
and if any of them should prove to be the 'inevita-
bic She that YOU are in search of, shall not be
backward to do my part as far as | can
"Apreed," said the youth. ''I'll come as sure
as you're alive, if you'll say nothing about 1t to
the ladies'"
THAT shall be bargain. On Saturday next
then, VIC shall have you at dinner, at five
And here the roads dverging, the two gentle
men separated.
st the appointed hour on the following Satur-
day the Young farmer in handsome trim, descend
ed from his galloway at the parsons door. DIN
ner was served a few minutes after, and the young
ladies' with their mother, graced the table with
their presence All three fully justified the enco-
miums of their father, but the youngest-a rosy
faced, roguish, cheerful lass, just escaped from
her teens-alone made vivid impression upon
the Young farmer The repast progressed agrcea-
biv, and when ended, the ladies withdrew, leaving
the gentlemen to chat over the wine.
"WcH,' said the host what do you think OF my
girls p
81 think them all charming" said the youth
hut the voungcst-you call her Ncly-really is
most bcwitching and clever, too ; and if | am to
have the honor of being allied 10 you, you must
give me her
THAT is against all rule" returned the host
"to take the youngest first, but of course, cannot
control your choice. What dowry do you cxpect:'
INV CAPITAL said the wooer, as three thou
sand pounds, and | want thousand more-and
must have it,
II will give you thousand with the eldes
girl
"No the charming Nelly aud the thousand, o
/ am off
""That cannot be five hundred with Nelly, i
YOU like. The others not half SO handsome
and must have fortune, or | shall never get then
off,"
"No; my resolution is fixed, replied the youns
gentleman and | shall not alter my mind.
"Nor NINE" said the parson, land the affair i
at an end but shall be good friends notwlth
standing"
The conversation which each speaker supposed
to be strictly private, fell into another chan
mel.
The ladies returned with the tea urn, and chat
ted unreservcdly with the farmer. Evening cam
on and towards sunset, the girls having strolle'
into the garden, the youth rose to take his leave
He found his nag in the stable, and having BIT
farewell to his host, took his way through tn
shrubbery that led to the road. He was abou
alighting to open the gate, when the rosy-face
Nelly darted forward to save him the trouble. A
she lifted the LATCH she archly looked up into hi
face and said:
"Can't You take my fathers money!
ayes, by Jove will. if you wish it"
"Then come over to the church to-morro
morning aud tell him so after service and sh
vanished like spirit among the shrubbery-