The weekly union record., 1864-10-22
HOW GODFREY CHOSE HIS WIFE

Godfrey, old boy" said Henry Clayton. as
he tilted back in his chair, and put his feet
upon the mantle piece, when is the wedding
to be ~
Whose weddi.g?'
Miss Laura Somers, or Jenny, which is i,?'
Il don't know. am sure"
Now don't be mysterious Godfrey; you
know you are a constant visitor, and all our
set are talking about the match Don't pre-
tend you have not selected one Of the sisters" "
How do you know whether either of them
will have me.
Don't be absurd, old boy Come, be
frank; which is the favorite sister,"
.Well, frankly. then, | cannot tell you.
have visited The family for several months, as
you know. but | cannot decide. Laura is
certainly the handsomest, with her flashing
black eyes, and queenly manner; but Jenny
seems, although 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
whatever hour | will, they are always well
blessed, and apparently dsengaged. TO be
sure, always, in the morning, have 10 wait
some time before Laura is visible
"fop in Unexpectedly, and notice the
internal economy"
How can L? \ card at the door will put
any lady on her guard, or even the Dotice of a
gentleman visitor.
60 there iu disguise. As washwoman,
for instance"
! Good | will"
Go there as a washwoman 2" cried Clayton.
Not exactly but will obtain admittance
to mornings privacy"
I wv ell, let me know the result"
= IL L
( children of a widower, who, although in mod
( crate circumstances, moved in fashionable
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 and ndulgenl parent, had NJ
objections to his daughters marriage, and
! indeed. had told them so. Laura. whose high
spirit resented the probable supremacy of q
i step mother, had already selected Godfrey
/ Horton for her future husband; and Jenny
who was the younger, and gentler in spirit
had tried to conquer a carefully concealed
preference for the same person. All his
attentions were ascribed by her TO a brotherly
regard, though every act of kindness and
! courtesy touched her to the very heart.
II was the morning after a large ball, and
the sisters were in the breakfast room together
: Laura, UeT ptOSsN udi puSutu utRllStuiiN ~
off her face, with the rough, tumbed braids OF
last evenings coffure gathered loosely in a
comb wearing a soiled wrapper, torn stockings,
and presenting rather an alarming contrast 10
the brilliant ballroom belle, was ounging on a
sofa Jenny, in neat morning dress. with a
large gingham apron, and hair smoothly
brushed into pretty 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 a coarse blue cloak,
which was much too large for him. His hair
was white, aud he wore beard aud mustache
of the same snowy hue. Making low bow,
be placed the large basket upon a table and
opened it.
Il have bunch of blue flowers here" said
he, taking them from the basket, that Will
Just suit your golden hair, miss, and held them
up before Jenny.
1T was nv sister who wished to look at
your flowers" said Jenny, quietly.
Yes. bring them here, was Lauras impe-
rious command.
The old man's eye followed Jenny, as she
washed, wiped and put away the dishes, swept
the room, and busted it, and then set down
beside Laura, who was still looking over the
basket.
See. Jenny, this scarlet bunch VIII il not
be lovely. with few dark leaves to wear with
my new silk"
But" whispered Jenny, you cannot afford
it just now"
YES, l can. Father gave me some money
yesterday"
ITO pay the last dry goods BILL
well. can have that carried to my private
account"
"Oh. Laura. l hate to hear you talk OF that
private account. II seems SO much ike cheat
ing father.
'.Nonsense. it will stand til l am married !;
then can easily save ii out of ny housekeep-
ing money"
Il shouldn't wish to marry in debt" said
Jenny.
The peddler looked al the sisters.
You had better take this blse bunch. miss, -
he said to Jenny. "H it amt convenient to
pay for it DOW, viii call again"
Nc, shall not take them