The Oxford intelligencer., 1860-07-18

wrapper, torn stockings and presenting rath-
er an alarming contrast to the brilliant ball
room belle, was lounging on a sofa Jennie
in neat morning dress, with large ging-
ham apron, little white collar, and hair
brushed into a neat knot, Was washing the
breakfast dishes.
''There is an old man at the door with
some artificial flowers" said the servant,
opening the dining room, "will you see himT
NO" said Jennie.
"Yes," cried Laura, "send him up."
The servant departed to obey the last order.
In few moments the old man came i'll
He was poorly clad, with a coarse blue cloak,
which was much too large for him. His hair
was white, ard he wore beard aud nous
tache of the same snowy hue. Making low
bow, he placed the large basket he carried on
atablc, and opened it.
al have a bunch Of blue flowers here" he
said, taking them from the basket, "that viii
just suit your golden hair Miss, and he held
them before Jennie.
at was my sister who wished to look at
your flowers" said Jennie quietly.
"Yes, bring them here" was Laura's impe-
rious command.
The old mans eve followed Jennie as She
washed, wiped and put away the dishes swept
the room and busted it, and.allen sat down
beside Laura who was still looking over the
basket.
"See Jennie, this scarlet bunch. VIII ii
not be lovely with few dark leaves to wear
with my new silk"
"But," whispered Jennie, 'you can't afford
it just now"
ayes l can. Father gave me some money
yesterday"
"To pay the last dry goods bill"
"WeI, can have that carried to my pri-
yatc account"
"Oh, Laura, hate to hear You talk of
that private account. 1t seems SO much ike
cheating father"
"Nonscnse! twill stand till am married,
and then 7 can easily save it ont Of my house
keeping money!
81 should not ike to marry IN debt" said
Jennie.
The Old pcdller looked earnestly at the
sisters.
'You hal better take this bunch, Miss" he
said to Jennie "Ifit is not convenient to
pay for It now, will cal again
"No, I shall not take them"
"Thcy are very becoming, Miss. Look in
this glass;
They were becoming, mixing with The CLOS
sy golden hair, and setting of Jennie's daz-
zline complexion.
a. wish my hair was light said Laura,
"l should Ike to wear blue. Godfrey Hor-
ton said last night that forgct-inc-nots were
his iayorite flowers"
Jennie coIorel, and placing the bunch
again in the basket, said:
Come, Laura, decide Yop are keeping
one waiting whose time probably is vaIua-
be-" then passing chair, she added, Z" be
seated sir you look tired"
"I am fired, indeed" was the reply.
81 will take the scarlet bunch, AMI these
red camglias, and this white cluster" said
Laura.
But sister yon cannot afford it,
ayes can. Godfrey Horton is rich.
Tho old man bit hi, lips.
"Thnk," said Jennie, in low tone, "if
you love him how much it would gricvc him
should he discover this deceit"
"Nonsonse! Well, I'll tell you how to
remedy it. Lend me some money ont 81
he housekeeping funds"
$50" thought the old man, "sho is house
keeper Miss Laura always gave me to un-
lerstand that was her post"
Laura Steal from my fatherr
"Then don't preach"
"Mss Jennie" said servant entering at
nat moment, "the dinner has come" Jcn-
lie left the room, AMI Laura still turned
lNtT tllt GiN HpNci~Y NLllc 'llN olb ludll polnl-
ed out their various beauties, hi. eve in
he meantime, running over the disordered
lair shabby dress, and lazy position, while
le mentally contrastcd them with Jcuuie's
leat attire.
"Not decided yet" said Jennie, returning
fter a short absence.
"No. Come here"
"I can't Father has sent home calls
iead, and am afraid to trust it entirely 70 ,,
Iargaret. must supetiutenl the dinner,
make pudding and the parlor must be dust
a, and there is my white mule to be finish
d."
Before I would be the drudge you are"
RED laura. 'i f.
"Drudge have plenty of time left for
njoyment, and father cannot have a comfort
bic house il some one does not superintend
heso things When marry you may do it"
nd she laughed merrily.
AS if should not marry first sail Lau-
a. There, have chosen all l want"