The Van Buren press., 1860-11-09
How Godfrey Chose his WIFE
~ NARY 3. CLARK.

Godfrey. old boy" said Henry Clay
ton, as he tilted back his chair, and put his
feet upon the mantsl- -piace. "whsa "a the
wedding to be p
"Whoss wedding %
:" Miss Laurs Somsrs. or Jenny. whi:h
is it 2"
lido not know. ] am sure
"Now. dent BE- mysterious. Godfrey
you know yoa are . constant visitor. and
all our set are talking about the match.
Don't pretend you have not selected one Of
the sisters"
"How do yeu know sithsr Of them will
have me -
Don't be absurd. old boy. You, young
handsome. talented and with q large for
tune. need not be over-bsshful. Come. 10
frank, which is the favorite sister -
Well. frankly. then. cannot tell you.
lave visited the family for several months
- you know, but cannot decide. Laura
is certainly the hAndsomest, With her iAsh
ling black eyes aud quseuly manner bat
Jenny seems, although the youngsst, to be
the most womanly and useful Of the two.
Yet. / cannot bs sure Of that. Ny entrance
is the signal for cordial welcome and smiles
and let ms call ct what hour will, they
are always wel!.dressed anil apparently DIS
engaged. To be sura. l always in the NOR.
Mug have to wait some time before Laura
is visible.
Pop in unexpectedly. and nosics the
| internal econ omy."
How canI A card 1t the door. will
put any lady on her guard. or even . notice
Of gentleman visitor
Go there in disguiss. As . washer
woman. for instance
Cool ! l will -
"Go there - . washsrwoman 70 cried
Clayton.
/" Not exactly but viii obtain admit
tancs. to . mornings privacy"
Well. let me know the result"
Laura and Jenny Somers were the only
children OF . widower, who. although in
moderate circumstances. moved in fashion.
able society. At tue period Of my short
sketch. ho was about to supply the lament
Cd Mrs. Somsss' place after ten years mour-
ming and although kind and indulgent
parent. had no objections to his daughtsrs'
marriage and had told them SO. Laura.
whose high spirit resented tho probable su.
premacy OF step. mother, had already ss-
lected Godfrey Horton for hese future hus-
band and Jenny, who was the youIgsr
and gentlsr tu spirit, tried to conquer care
fully concealed preference Tor the same per-
son. All his attentions were ascribed BY
her to brotherly regard, though every sct
of kindness and courtesy touched hsr hesrt.
! It was tho morning alter large ball and
the sisters were in the breakfast-room. TO.
gstusr. Laura. her glossy black hair push-
cd negligen.ly of her face. With the rough
tumbled braids Of last evenings elaborate
ooiffurs gathered loosely into comb. wear.
ing soiied wrapper. torn stockings. and
presented rather sn alarming coCarast ia
the brilliant ball room belle. was lounging
on sofa. Jenny. in neat morning dress.
with large ginyham apron. liuls White
collar. and hair smoothly brGshsd into .
neat knot, was washing the breakfast dishee.
4 "Thsrs is An old man at The door. with
some artificial flowers" said . asrvAnl
opening the dining room door. " viii you
see him e.
4 mo-" said Jenny.
!; eyes," cried Laura. /" end him up"
The ssrvant dsscsndsd "a obey The lss'
order. -..f,
|! In : tsw moments the old naa esms fn
! He vas pooriy clad with . coarss blus
4 cloak. which WAS much too large for him
: His hair w.s white and hs woss . beard
. and moustschs Of the came .saowy hns
Making . low bow. hs plAoea ths large Rss
d ksE hs csrriid on table and cpeasd N
II IL hsvs bunch of AoWspis Ascss" b
. said. taking them ttou The haekst. :. ths
I xlwiil lust suit your golden hair. Aims anf
skh6 hid tAAm hafoe@ asapy. =. -.
!. IL - my sist9 who Wishe4 - IooA
= = yoor AoW6ss, = said lsnAys qgtsklyt RI
a I Yes. hriag thaA Aaa4" was Laura
8 impseicas oannand.s Ase~
q faselA maase 90 Salaowsa JsaAy Z
!. I.hs wssAsdk wips1eod pns &wAy ~ aish
/. II, swsps ~ Co. ~ aamts1 y, sa4 -
! sst 1ewa bei auA ;sAe - sfill leae
jsss,. a. s..,ass. u "a. WI
. ~; E .,,s .s,s :. - ~ s I