Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1860-09-07
MISCELLANY Y.
How Godfrey Chose His Wife.
BY MARY B. CLARKE.


Godfrey, Old boy" said Henry CLAYTON.
as he tilted back in his chair, and put his
feet upon the mantle-piece, when's the
wedding to be ?"
Whose wedding?"
Miss Laura Somers, or Jenny, which
is it?"
do not know, | am sure"
Now don't be mysterious, Godfrey
you know you are constant visitor, and
all our set are talking about the match.
Don't pretend yon have not selected one of
the sisters
How do you know either of them will
have me ?"
!" Don't be absurd, old boy. You, young,
handsome, talented, and with large for
tune, need not be over bashful. Come, be
frank, which is the favorite sister,"
Well, frankly then, l cannot tell you.
| have visited the family for several months,
as you know, but cannot decide. Laura
is certainly the handsomest, with her flash
ing black eye and queenly manner; but
Jenny seems although the youngest, to be
the most womanly and useful of the two.
Yet, cannot be be sure of that. Ny en-
trance is the signal for cordial welcome and
smiles, and let me call at what hour / will,
they are always well dressed, and apparent
ly disengaged. To be sure, / always in the
morning have to wait some time before
Laura is visible"
Pop in unexpectedly and notice the in
ternal economy"
Show can L? A card at the door will
put any lady on her guard, or even the no.
tice of gentleman visitor"
"Go there in disguise. As washer
woman for instance"
"Good / will"
$50 there as washerwoman? cried
Clayton.
I" Not exactly; but l win obtain admit
tance TO mornings privacy"
We'll, 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 the period of my short
sketch he was about to supply the lamented
Mrs. Somers' place after nearly ten years
mourning; and although kind indulgent
parent, had no objections TO his daughters
anu ituNSu lOiu luCtu 81.
Laura, whose high spirit resented the prob
able supremacy of a step-mother, had al
ready selected Godfrey Horton for her fu-
ture husband; and Jenny, who was the
younger and gentler in spirit, tried to con-
quer a carefully concealed preference for
the same person. All his attentions were
ascribed by her to bro:herly regard, though
every act of kindness and courtesy touched
her very heart.
IT 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 coiffure gathered loosely into a
comb, wearing soiled wrapper, torn stock
ings, and presented rather an alarming con-
trast to the brilliant ballroom belle, was
lounging on a sofa. Jenny, in a neat morn
ing dress, with large gingham apron, and
hair smoothly brushed into 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 door, +" will you
see him."
No" said Jenny.
Yes" cried Laura, " send him up"
The servant descended 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
and beard of the snowy hue. Making
low bow, he placed the large basket on a
table and opened it.
IL have a bunch of blue flowers here,
he said, taking them from the basket, 6 that
will just suit your golden hair, Miss and
be held them before Jenny.
at was my sister who wished to look at
your flowers" said Jenny, quietly
Yes, bring them here" was Laura's
imperious 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 beside Laura, who was still looking