Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-09-05
eHow GODFREY HORTON CHOSE A WIFE
BY MARY E. CLARKE

tH0W GODFREY HORTON CHOSE A WIFE.
BINARY E.. CLARKE.
sGodfrey, old boy,'' said Henry Clayton as
he tilted back in his chair and put his feet on
the antel-piece, awhen is the wedding to be?''
ssWhose wedding 20
Miss Laura Somers, or Jennie, which is it 70
81 do not know, am sure"
"Now don't be mysterious, Godfrey; you
know you are a constant visitor, and all sour
set are talking about the match. Jon't pre-
tend YOU have not selected one of the sisters
"How do you know either Of them will have
mer'
"Don't be absurd, old boy. You, young,
handsome, talented, and with large fortune,
need not be over bashful. Come, be frank
which is the fsvorte sister 20
ssWelI, frankly, then, | cannot tell you.
have visited the family for several months, as
YOU know, but l cannot decide. Laura is GER
tainy the handsomest, with her flashing ewes
and queenly manner, but Jennie seems, al
though the youngest, to be the most womanly
and useful of the two. Yet cannot be sure
of that. My entrance is the signal for cordial
welcome and smiles, and let me call at whatso
ever time l will, they are always we'll dressed
and apparently disengaged. To be sure, al
Ways, in the morning, have to wait some time
before Laura is visble.'
"Pop in unexpectedly and notice the inter-
nal economy.
GLOW can II A card at the door will put
any lady on her guard, or even the notice of
"Go there in disguise. As washer-wo-
man, for instance"
s.Good | will 20
$50 there as a washerwoman - cried Clay
ton.
"Not exactly but will obtain admittance
to a mornings privacy"
s.WelI let me know the result.''
7 nd tba
children of a widower, who, although in mod
crate circumstances, moved in very fashiona-
bile society. At the period of my short sketch
he was about to supply the lamented Mrs.
!Somers' place, after nearly ten years mourn
ing and although kind, indulgent parent,
had no objection to his daughters marriage,
and indeed had told them so. Laura, whose
high spirit resented the probable supremacy of
step-mother. had already selected Godfrey
Horton as her future husband; and Jennie
~ ho was the younger and gentler in spirit, tried
TO conquer a concealed preference for the same
person. All his attentions were ascribed to a
brothery regard, though every act of kindness
or courtesy touched her very heart.
1t was the morning alter large ball, and
the sisters were in the breakfast-room togeth-
er. Laura, her glossy black hair pushed neg
iigentIy off her face, with the rough tumbled
braids Of last evenings elaborate coiffure gath
cred loosely into a comb; wearing soiled
wrapper, torn stockings, and presenting rather
alarming contrast to the brilliant ballroom
belle, was lounging on the sofa. Jennie, in a
neat morning dress; with large gingham
apron, little white collar, and hair smoothly
brushed into a 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, sswIll You see him''
s'No,'' said Jennie.
GYeS - cried Iaura ssSen6 him,
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 beard and mustache
of the same snowy hue. Making a low bow, he
placed the basket he carried on table and
opened it.
s'I have a bunch of blue flowers here,'' he
said taking them from the basket, ssthat will
lust suit your golden hair, Miss" and he held
them up before Jennie.
alt my sister who wished to look at
your 1owers.'' said Jennie, quietly.
"Yes, bring them here,'' was Laura's impe.
rions command.
The old mans eyes followed Jennie, as sh
washed, wiped and put away the dishes, swept
the room and busted it, and then sat down
beside Laura, who was still looking over the
basket.
sSee, Jennie, this scarlet bunch. Will not
this look lovely with few dark leaves TO wear
with my new silk 10
"But," whispered Jennie, ssyou can't afford
1T just now.''
"fesI can. Father gave me some money
yesterday
'Io pay the last dry goods bill.''
""eil. canhave that carried to my private
ACCOUNT
con- Laura, hate to hear you talking
o, Inat private account. 1t seems SO much
like cheating father.''
Nonsense! 1t will stand till l am married |
and then can easily save it out of my house. |
keeping money!
Jennie.
The old pedlar booked at the sisters.
"fou'd better take this blue bunch Miss" |
ne said to Jennie. If it amt convenient to |
pay now, will call again.''
81 shall not take them,
this glass;
s,r wish my hair was light" said Laura
would like to wear blue (,odfrev Horton