The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1860-05-31
HOW A WIFE WAS CHOSEN.

''UOQ1rey, Olu DOy, Sall IleHry Cldy loH,
as he tilted his chair back, and put his
feet upon the mantelpiece, "when is the
wedding to be %
"Whose wedding ~
"Miss Laura Somers, or Jenny, which
is it?"
Il don't know, I'm sure
"Now don be mysterious, Godfrey; you
know you are most constant visitor, and
all our set are talking about the match
Don't pretend you have not selected one Of
the sisters"
GLOW do you know that either of them
will have me-"
Don't be absurd, old boy. You, young,
handsome, talented, and with a large for
tune, need not be over bashful. Come be
frank, which is the favored sister,"
"Well, frankly then, Henry, [ cannot
tell you | have visited the family for
several months, as you know, but | cannot
decide. Laurais is certainly the handsomest,
with her black flashing eyes and queenly
manner; but Jenny seems, although the
Youngest, to be the most womanly and use
ful of the two. Yet, l cannot be sure OF
that. My entrance is the signal for cor
dial welcome and smiles, and let me call
at what hour l will, they are always well
dressed, and apparently disengaged. To
be sure | always, in the morning, have to
wait some time before Laura is visible. .
'EPop in unexpectedly and notice the
| internal economy"
s.How can [? A card at the door will
put any lady on her guard, or even the
notice of a gentleman visitor"
''Go there in disguise. As washwoman
for instance"
"Good! | will"
1Go there as q washwoman?' CRIED
Clayton.
"Not exactly, but 1 will obtain admit
tance to a mornings privacy.
"Well, let me know the result
Laura and Jenny Somers were the onl y
children of a widower, who, although IL
moderate circumstances, moved In yer.
fashionable society. At the period of m.
short sketch, he was about to supply th
lamented Mrs Somers' place, after nearl..
ten years mourning, and, although kin'
and indulgent father, had no objection t
his daughters marriage, and, indeed h
had told them So Laura, whose high spiri
resented the probable supremacy of step
mother, had already selected Godfre
Horton as her future husband, and Jenny
who was Younger and gentler In spirit
tried to conquer carefully concealed pref
erence for the same person. All his atten
tions were ascribed, by her, to brothcrl
regard, though every act OF kindness
courtesy touched her very heart.
1t was the morning after large bal
and the sisters were in the breakfast roor
together. Laura, her glossy black hal
pushed negligently off her face, with th
rough, tumbled braids of last evening
elaborate coiffure gathered loosely into
comb; wearing soiled wrapper, tor
stockings, and presenting rather an alarm
inc contrast to the brilliant ballroom bell'
was lounging on sofa. Jenny, in ne;
morning dress, with large gingham apron
little white collar, and hair SMOOTH
brushed into a neat knot, was washing tn
breakfast dishes.
mThere is an old man at the door wit
some artificial flowers" said the servan
opening the dining-room door, "wlll yo
see him."
"No," said Jenny.
"Yes." cried Laura, "send him up.
In few moments the old man came II
He was poorly clad, with coarse blu
! cloak, which was much too large Tor mn
81 have bunch of blue flowers here
B. he said, taking them from the baske
'sthat will just suit your golden hair, Mis-
and he held them before Jenny"
at was my sister who wished to loo
at YOUR flowers said Fanny quietly.