Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1860-04-12
How Godfrey Horton Chose his Wife.
BY MARY E. CLAREE

Godfrey, old boy" said Henry Clayton as he tilted
back his chair. and put his feet the mantepiece
" when is the wedding to be?
g" Whose wedding?'
a" Miss Laura Somers, or Jenny, which is it?
" L do not know, am sure"
/" Now don't be mysterious, Godfrey you know you
are most constant visitor and all set talking
about the match Don't pretend you 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 fortune, need not be over
bashfu Come, be frank which the favorite sister
Well frankly then, Henry, cannot tell you. |
have visited the family for several months you know
but L cannot decide Laura is certainly the handsom-
est, with her flashing black eyes and queeny
but Jenny seems although the oungest be the most
womanly and useful of the two. Yet cannot be
OF that My entrance is the signal for cordial welcome
and Smiles and, let call at what hour will they
always well dressed, and apparently disengaged To be
s9FSSt al%Gfzs IN thf @ornng have to wait sometime
Pop in unexpectedly and notice the internal econo
my"
"How can |? A card at the door will nut any ladv
on her guard the notice of gentleman visitor
Gothere IN disguise. AS washerwoman, for in
stance"
GOOD | will"
GO there wasberwom 2" cried Clayton
"Not exactly, but will obtain adnittance to morn
"Wel let me know the result"
Laura and Jenny Somers were the only children of
Wldower, who, although in moderate circumstances,
moved In very fashionable society. AT the period of my
short SKETCH he about to supply the amented Mrs.
Somers place. after nearly ten years mourning and al
though KIND, lndugent parent, had objection to his
daughters marriage and indeed, had told them so-
Laura whose high spirits resented the probable suprem
acy OF stepmother had already selected Godfrey Or
ton as her future husband and Jenny who young
er and gener IN spirit tried to conquer carefully
cealed preference for the purpose An his atten
lions were ascrbed by her to brothery regard though
every act OF kindness courtesy touched her very heart
1t was the morning after large ball, and the sisters
were IN the breakfast together Laura her glossy
black hair pushed negligently off her face, with the
rough tumbed brads of last evening elaborate couture
gathered loosely into comb wearing soied wrapper
torn stockings and presenting rather alarming
trast to the brilliant ballroom cefe loungng
Sofa Jenny, In a neat morning dress, with large
gngham apron, little white collar and hair smoothly
brushed into neat knot was washing the breakfast
dishes.
There is old man at the door with some artificial
lowers said the servant opening the dining roomdoor
" will you him %
NO." said Jenny
YES, cried Laura, "send him up"
| The servant departed to obey the last order
In a few moments the old man in. He was poor
ly clad, with blue cloak which was much toe
large for him. His hair was white and he wore bearc
of the same snowy hue. Making low bow, be placed
the large basket he carried a table, and opened it.
81 have bunch of blue flowers here, he said, tax
ing them from the basket " that will just suit your
| golden hair, Miss" and he held them before Jenny.
" 1t was my sister who wished look at your flowers,
| said Jenny quietly
" Yes bring them here,' was Lauras mperous com
mand
The old mans eye followed Jenny as she washed
wiped and put away the dishes, swept the room, anC
busted it, and then sat down beside Laura who wal
still looking over the basket.
"See, Jenny, this scarlet bunch. Will it not be love
ly, with few dark leaves to with my new silk p
But" whispered Jenny, you can't afford it JUS
now"
" Yes can. Father gave me some money yesterday
"To pay the last dry goods bill
" Well, can have that carried to my private &C
count"
90! Laura, hate to hear you talk of that private
account. 1t seems so much like cheating father"
| Nonsense! 1t will stand till | am married, anC
then l can easily it out of my housekeeping mo-
ney.'
Il should not wish to marry in debt" said Jenny
! The old peddler looked earnestly at the sisters
You had better take this blue bunch, Miss he sale
to- Jenny Ii it amt convenient to pay for it now,
| will call again.
"No, l shall not take them"
They very becoming, Miss. Look in this glass.
They were becoming, mixing with the glossy goldez
hair, and setting off Jenny's dazzling complexion.
81 wish my hair was light said Laura. 81 shouls
like to wear blue Godfrey Horton said last night tha
forget-menots were his avorte flowers"
Jenny colored and placing the bunch again in tb
basket, said, Come, Laura decide. You are keeping
one waiting whose time probably is valuable" then
passing chair, she added Be seated, sir, you lool
tired
i 81 am tired, indeed" was the reply.
will take the scarlet bunch, and these red came
las, and this white cluster" said Laura.
" But, sister, you cannot afford it."
Eyes l can. Godfrey Horton is rich
The old man bit his lip
Think, said Jenny in low tone, if you love him
how much it will grieve him he should discover thi
deceit"
" Nonsense Well III tell you how to remedy it.
Lend money out of the housekeeping funds"
49," thought the old man, /" she is house-keeper-
Miss Laura always gave to understand that he
post.
Laura Steal from my father ?"
"Then don't preach"
Miss Jenny, - said servant, entering at that mo
meDt, " the dinner has come"
Jenny left the room and Laura still turned over tn
gay flowers while the old pointed out their varou
beauties his eye in the meantime running the dis
ordered hair, shabby dress, and lazy position, whilst
mentally contrasted them with Jenny's neat attire.
:" Not decided yet ?" said Jenny, returning after
short absence.
"No. Come here"
81 can't! Father has sent home a Calls head, and
am afraid to trust it entirely to Margaret. must Sc
perintend the dinner make pudding and the parol
must be dusted and there is my white mule to be
ished."
Before would be the drudge you are p cried Laura
: drudge! nonsense! have plenty of time left 70
enjoyment and father have comfortable hous
if some does not superintend these things Whe
marry, you may do it" and she laughed merrily.
5 Gas if l should not marry first" said Laura
There, have chosen all l want"
"Shall call again for the change?" said the pedle
al shall be happy to put the Misses Somers my liz
j of customers
Yes, call again"
! So the peddler took up his basket, walked hom
threw aside his wig, beard, and disguise and wrote
offer of his hand and heart to Miss Virginia Somer
which accepted.