Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1860-08-25
HOW GODFREY CHOSE HIS WIFE.
BY MARY r. CLARKE :.

the mantlc-p piece, "wnens the WeuuihS W ue'
"Whosc weddingw
"Miss Laura Somers, or Jenny, which is 1t r
al do not know, | am sure"
"Now don't be mysterious, Godfrey; you
know YOU are constant visitor, and all tour
set" are talking about the match. Don't pre-
tend YOU have not selected one of the sisters"
.'How do YOU know either of them will have
meP"
"Dont be absurd, old boy. You, young,
handsome, talented. and with large fortune,
need not be over bashful. Come, be frank,
which is the favorite sister,"
"Well, frankly then, cannot tel you.
have visited the family for several months, as
YOU know, but | cannot decide Laura is GER
;atnfy the nauusomest, with her flashing black
eyes, and Queenly manners but Jenny seems
although the Youngest to be the most womanly
and useful of the two. Yet cannot be sure
of that. NV entrance is the signal for cordial
welcome and smiles, and let me call at what
hour will, they are always well dressed, and
apparently disengaged. To be sure, l always
in the morning have to wait some time before
Laura is visible"
"Pop in unexpectedly and notice the internal
economy"
GLOW can /? A card at the door will put
gentleman visitor"
go there in disguise. AS a washerwoman,
for instance"
Good | will"
"Go there as washerwoman P' cried Clay
ton.
mot exactly; but 1 will obtain admit,ance
to mornings privacy
"Well, let me know the result"
Laura and Jenny Somers were the only chill
dren of widower, who although in moderate
circumstances, moved in fashionable society,"
At the period of my short sketch he was about
to supply the lamented Mrs Somers place, after
nearly ten years mourning; and although a
kind indulgent parent, had no objections to his
daughters marriage, and indeed had told them
So Laura, whose high spirit resented the
probable supremacy of stcp-mother, had al
ready selected Godfrey Horton for her future
husband; and JENNY, who was the younger and
gentler in spirit, tried to conquer carefully
concealed preference for the same person. All
his attentions were ascribed by her to broth
erly regard, though every act of kindness and
courtesy touched her very heart.
1t was the morning after large ball and the
sisters were in the breakfast-room together
Laura, her glossy black hair pushed negligently
off her face, with the rough, tumbled braids Of
last evenings elaborate couture gathered loose
ly into comb, wearing a soed wrapper, torn
stockings, and presented rather an alarming
contrast to the brilliant ballroom belle, was
lounging on sofa. Jenny, in neat morning
dress, with large gingham apron, and hair
smoothly brushed into a neat knot, was washing
the breakfast dishes.
Thsre is old man at the door With
dnaae room door, "will you see hiimlP"
mo" said Jenny.
"Yes," cried Laura, "send him up
The servant descended to obey the last or
der.
In few moments the old man came in. He
was poorly clad with coarse blue cloak, which
was much too large for him. His hair was
white, and he wore a beard and mustache of the
same snowy hue. Making low bow he placed
the large basket on table and opened it.
II have bunch of blue flowers here" he
said, taking them from the basket, "that will
just suit your golden hair, Miss" and he held
them before Jenny.
at was my sister who wished to look at your
flowers" said Jenny, quietly.
eyes, bring them here" was Laura's imperi.
Gus command.
The old mans eyes followed Jenny, as she
washed, wiped and put away the dishes swept
the room and busted it, and then sat down be.
side Laura, who was still looking over the bas-
ket.
"See, Jenny, this scarlet bunch. "Will il
not be lovely, with a few dark leaves, to weai
with my new silk ?"
"But," whispered Jenny, "you can't afford it
just now.
"Yes, can. Father gave me some money
yesterday"
ITO pay the last dry goods BILL
"Well, l can have that carried to my private
account"
"Oh Laura, hate to hear you talk of that
private account. 1t seems 50 much like cheat
ing father"
"Nonsense! it will stand till l am married
and then l can easily save it out of my house
keeping money"
II should not wish to marry in debt" said
Jenny.
The pedder looked earnestly at the sisters.
"You had better take this blue bunch, Miss, y
he said to Jenny. "If it amt convenient TO pay
for it now, will call again"
"No, shall not take them"
"They are very becoming, Miss. Look in
this glass"
81 wish my hair was light" said Laura. 81
should like to wear blue. Godfrey Horton said
last night that forget-me- nots were his favorite
flowers.
Jenny colored, and placing the bunch again
in the basket said
"Come, Laura, decide. You are keeping one
waiting whose time is probably valuable" and
then passing a chair, she added, "Be seated sir,
you look tired"
81 am tired, indeed" was the reply.
81 will take that scarlet bunch, and those red
camelas, and this white cluster" said Laura.
"But, sister, you can't afford it."
eyes, ] can. Godfrey Horton is rich"
The old man bit his lip.
Think" said Jenny, in a low tone, off WOW
love him, how much 1t will grieve him, if he
should discover this deceit"
"Nonsense Well, I'll tell you how to remedy
it. Lend me some money out of the house
keeping funds"
laura steal from my fatherP"
"There, don't prcach.J
"Miss Jenny" said a servant, entering at that
moment, "the dinner has come"
Jenny left the room, and Laura still turned
over the gay flowers, while the old man pointed
out their various beauties, he, in the meantime,
running over the disordered hair, shabby dress
and lazy position, while he mentally contrasted
them with Jenny's neat attire.
"Not decided yetp" said Jenny, returning
after short absence.
"No, come here"
81 can't. Father has sent home calls head
and l am afraid to trust it entirely to Margaret
/ must superintend the dinner, make pudding
and the parlors must be busted, and there is
my white MULE 10 he he finished