Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-06-13
HOW T1FE WAS CHOSEN

upon the mantlepiece, sswhen is the weddins
to be 20
.'Whose wedding %
is it 2''
81 DON'T know, m sure.''
NNow don't be mysterious, Godfrey; vol
know you are most constant visitor and al
our set are talking about the match. Dom
pretend You have not selected one of the sis
ters.'
'.How do you know that either of them viii
have me 20
"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 favored sister 20
'sWel, frankly then, Henry, cannot tel
you. | have visited the family for severa
months, as you know, but / cannot decide
Laura is certainly the bandsomest, with hel
black flashing eyes and queenly manner; but
Jenny seems, although the youngest, to be the
most womanly and useful of the two. Yet
cannot be too sure of that My entrance is
the signal for cordial welcome and smiles. and
let me call at what hour will, they are al.
ways well dressed, and apparently disengaged
TO be sure always, in the morning, have to
wait some time before Laura is visible.''
ssPop in unexpectedly and notice the inter
nal economy"
elbow can [? A card at the door will put
any lady on her guard, or even the notice of a
gentleman vistor.''
$50 there in disguise. AS washerwoman
for instance"
ssGood | will 20
$50 there as a washerwoman," cried Clay
ton.
ssNot exactly, but 1 will obtain atmittance
70 mornings privacy"
''Well, let me know the result"
Laura and Jenny Somers were the only
children of 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.
Somer's place, after nearly ten years mourn
ing, and, although kind, induIgent father.
had no objections to his daughters marriage,
and, indeed, he had told them so. Laura.
whose high spirit resented the probable su-
premacy of step-mother, had already select
ed Godfrey Horton as her future husband and
Jenny, who was younger and gentler in spirit,
tried to conquer a carefully concealed prefer
ence for the same person. All his attentions
were ascribed, by her, to brotherly regard,
though every act of kindness or courtesy
touched her very heart.
1t was the morning after large ball. and
the sisters were in the breakfast room togeth-
er Laura: her glossy black hair pushed neg
ligently off her face, with the rough tumbled
braids of last evenings elaborate coiffure gath
wrapper, torn stockings, and presenting rath-
er an alarming contrast to the brilliant ball
room belle, was lounging on sofa. Jenny
IN neat morning dress, with large gingham
apron, little white collar, and hair smoothly
brushed into neat knot, was washing the
breakfast dishes.
ssThere is an old man at the door with some
artificial fowers,:' said the servant opening
the dning-room door, s.will you see him ?''
ssNo,'' said Jenny.
's9es,'' cried Laura, sssend him up.''
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 moustache
of the same snowy hue. Making low bow
he placed the large basket he carried on the
table, and opened it.
81 have bunch of blue flowers here,'' he
said taking them from the basket, ssthat will
just suit your golden hair, Miss apd he held
them before Jenny
sit was my sister who wished to look at
your fiowers,' said Jenny quietly.
eyes, bring them here,'' was Laura's impe-
riouS 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 be-
side Laura, who was still looking over the
basket.
s.See. Jenny, this scarlet bunch Will it
lot be lovely with few dark leaves to wear
with my new silk.''
s'But,' whispered Jenny, 'syou can't afford
it just now.''
eyes, l can. Father gave me some money
yesterday
''To pay the last dry goods bill.''
ssWell, can have that carried to my pri-
vate account.''
ssOh Laura, hate to hear you talk of that
private account. 1t seems so much like cheat
ing father.
Nonsense. 1t will stand till am married
and then can easily save it out of my house
keeping money!
ssI should not like to marry in debts said
Jenny.
The old pedler looked earnestly at the sis
ters.
s.You better take this blue bunch, Miss
he said to Jenny. elf ii amt convenient to
pay for it now, will call again.''
ssNo, shall not take them.''
ssThey are very becoming, mixing with the
glossy golden hair, and setting off Jenny's
dazzling complexion.''
81 wish my hair was light" said Laura.
ssI should like to wear blue. Godfrey Hor-
ton said last night, that forget-me-nots were
his favorite flowers.''
Jenny colored, and placing the bunch again
in the basket, said
ssCome, Laura, decide. You are keeping
one waiting whose time probably is valuable,"
then passing chair, she added, ssbe seated
sir, you look tired.''
81 am tired, iEdeed,'' was the reply.
81 will take this scarlet bunch, and these
red camelias and this white cluster,'' said
Laura.
ssBut, sister, you cannot afford it.''
s'Yes, can. Godfrey Horton is rich.''
The old man bit his lip.
ssThink," said Jenny, in low tone, ssif you
love him, how much it will grieve him if he
should discover it.''
"Nonsense! Well, I'll tell You how to rem