Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-08-21
M I SCELL A N Y
HOW GODFREY HORTON CHOSE HIS
WIFE.

"Godfrey, old boy," said Henry Clayton as be
tilted back his chair, and placed his feet on the
mantle-piece, "when is you wedding to bes"
'Whose wedding9"
"Miss Laura Summers, or Jenny, which of
them is it 2"
II don't know, | am sure"
"Now don't be mysterious, Godfrey; you
know you are a most constant visitor, and all
our set are talking about the match. Don't
pretend you have not selected one of the sisters y
"How do you know either of them will have
me?"
"Don't be absurd, old boy. You, young
handsome and talented, and with large for
tune, need not be over bashful. Come, be frank
which is the favorte sister,"
swell, frankly, then, Henry, | cannot tell you
have visited the family for several months, as
you know, but cannot decide. Laura is Ger.
tainly the handsomest, with her flashing eyes
and queenly manner, but Jenny seems, although
the youngest, to be the most useful of the two
My entrance is the signal for cordial welcome
and smiles, and, let me call at what hour will
they are always well dressed and apparently dis
engaged. To be sure, | always, in the morning
have to wait some time before Laura is visible.
! Pop in unsxnscteday. y. and notice the iIteraa
economy"
"How can | 2 A card at the door will put
any lady on her guard, or even the notice of 8
gentleman visitor"
| 'Go there in disguise, as washerwoman, fol
instance"
| "Good will"
"Go there as a washerwoman9" cried Clay
ton.
mot exactly, but will gain admittance to g
morning privacy"
| "Well let's know the result"
Laura and Jenny Summers were the only
children of widower, although in moderate
circumstances, moved in very fashionable soci-
ETY.. At the period of my short sketch, he was
about to supply the place after nearly ten year:
mourning, and, althoug kind, indulgent parent
bad no objection to his daughters marriage
and indeed had said so.
Laura, whose high spirit resented the proba
bic supremacy of a step mother, had already Sc
| lected Godfrey as her future husband; and Jen
ny, who was younger aud gentler in spirit, tried
to conquer carefully concealed preference fol
the same person. Ali his attentions were as
cribed by her to brotherly regard, though ev-
| cry act Of kindness and courtesy touched hel
very heart.
It was the morning after large ball, and the
sisters were in the breakfast-room together
Laura, her glossy hair pushed negligently oil bel
face, while the rough, tumbled braids OF last
evenings elaborate coffure gathered loosely into
comb, wearing soiled wrapper, torn stock
ings, and presenting rather an alarming con
trast to the brilliant ballroom belle, was loung
| ing on the sofa. Jenny, in neat morning dress
with large gingham apron, little white collar
and hair smoothly brushed into a neat knot
was washing the breakfast dishes.
sThere is an old man at the door with some
artificial flowers" said the servant, opening the
dining room door. ssWill you see him2"
"No," said Jenny.
EYES," cried Lanra, "send him up"
The servant departed to obey the last order.
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 moustache of the same
snowy hue. Making low bow, he placed the
large basket which he carried on large table.
81 have bunch of blue flowers here, be said
taking them from the basket, that will just suil
your golden hair, Miss" and he held them be-
fore Jenny.
sit was my sister who wished to look at your
flowers" said Jenny, quietly.
"Yes, bring them here" was Laura's imperi-
Gus demand.
The old mans eyes followed Jenny, as she
washed, wiped and put away the dishes, swept
the room. and then sat down beside Laura, who
was still looking over the basket.
"See, Jenny, this scarlet bunch. Will they
not be lovely with few dark leaves to wear
with my new silk 2"
"But," whispered Jenny, "you can't afford it
just now"
s'Yes can. Father gave me some money
Yesterday"
ITO pay the last dry goods bll.'
"Weil, can have that carried to my private
account"
sOh! Laura, hate to hear you talk of that
private account. 1t seems too much like cheat
ing father"
"Nonsense! 1t will stand till am married,
and then can easily save it out of my house
keeping money" ;,
Il should not want to marry in debt" said
Jenny.
"You had better take this blue bunch, Miss, =
be said to Jenny. ''It it can't be convenient to
pay for it now, will call again.
''No, shall not take them"
"They are very becoming, Miss; look in this
glass" i.
They were very becoming, mixing with the
glossy, golden hair, and setting off Jenny's daz-
zling complexion. -,
II wish my hair was light" said Laura. ~
should like to wear blue. Godfrey Horton saio
last night that forget-lne-nots were his favorlte
flowers"
Il H.