The mountain Democrat., 1865-06-10
How Godfrey Chose His WtSe.

\
ton, as he tilted back in his chair, and
put his feet up on the mantle piece,
when is the wedding to beY'
Whose wedding?'
Miss Laura Somers, or Jenny, which
is itT
| don't know I'm sure
Now don't be mysterious, Godfrey,
you are constant visitor, and all our sex
is talking about the match. Don't pre-,
tend you have not selected one of the sis
ters.'
How do you know whether either OF
them will have meY
Don't be absurd, old boy. Come, be
frank, which is the favorite sister P
Well, frankly, then, 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 m ost
womanly and useful of the two. Yet |
ca00ot be sure Of that. Ny entrance is
the signal for-cordial welcome and smiles,
and let me call at what hour will they
are always dressed, and apparently dis.
engaged. To be sure, | always in the
morning, have to wait before Laura is
visible
Pop in unexpectedly, and notice the
internal economy
How can !? A card at the door will
pot the Iady on her guard, or even the
notice Of gentleman visitor
Go there in disguise. AS washer.
woman, for instance.
'Goodl | will
60 there as a washer. woman p cried
Clayton.
Not exactly, but will obtain admit
tance to a mornings privacy
We'll, let me know the result
Laura and Jenny were the children of
a widower, who although in moderate
circumstances, moved in fashionable So
ciety. At the end Of my short sketch he
was about to supply the lamented Mrs.
Somers' place, after ten years mourning
and although kind and indulgent parent,
had no objection to his daughters mar
riage, and, indeed, he told them so.-
Laura, whose high spirit resented the
probable supremacy OF step mother, had
already selected Godfrey Horton as her
husband; and Jenny, who was younger
and gentler in spirit, had tried to conquer
q carefully conceived preference for the
same person. All his attentions were as
cribed by her as a brotherly regard,
though every act Of kindness and courte-
sy touched her to the very heart.
il was the morning after large ball.
and the sisters were in the break fast
room together. Laura, her glossy black
hair brushed uegisentiy off her face, with
the rough, tumbled braids of last even.
! ing's coiffurc gathered loosely in corub
wearing Scilvd wrapper, torn stockings,
and presenting rather an alarming con.
trast to the brilliant ballroom belle. was
Iouusing on sofa. Jenny, in a neat
morning dress, with large gingham
apron, and hair smoothly brushed into a
pretty knot, was washing the breakfast
dishes.
There is an old man at the door, with
some artificial ilowerS,' said the servant,
opening tie dining-room door, will you
see himl
No. said Jenny.
Yes, cried Laura, send him up
The servant descended to obey the last
order.
In few moments the old u.an came
in.
lie was poorly clad, with a 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 large bas-
kct Upon table and opened it.
have bunch of blue flowers here,
said he, taking them from the basket,
that will just suit your golden hair, Miss,
holding them up to Jenny.
1t was my sister who wished to look
at your flowers, said she quietly.
Yes, bring them here, was Lau:a'S
imp"rionS 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 over the basket.
See Jenny. this scarlet bunch. VIII
it not be lovely with few dark leaves, to
wear with my new silk p
But you cannot afford it just now,
whispered Jenny.
Yes can. Father gave me some mo.
ney Yesterday.
To pay the last dry goods BILL
Well, can have that carried to my
private account
oh! Laura l hate to hear you talk
so Of that private account! 1t looks so
much like cheating father
Nonsense 1t will stand till | get
married, then | can easily save it out of
my house keeping money
/ shouldn't wish to marry in debt
said Jenny, 'and then take money from
my husband to pay my debts; that would
be mean
The pedlar looked at the sisters during
this conversation, though unobserved by
them.
You had better take this bunch Miss,
said he to Jenny. IF it aint convenient
for you to pay for it now, l will call for
the money at another time
No, shall not take them
wish my hair was light, said Laura,
I'd like to wear blue. Godfrey Horton
said last night, that forget-me.nOts were
his favorite flowers
Jenny colored, and placing the bunch
again in the basket, said: Come, Laura,
decide. You are keeping this man wait
ing-tme is probably valuable to him,
and then passing chair, she added, Be
seated, sir, you must be tired
am tired, indeed, was the reply.
Il will take that scarlet bunch and
those red camelias, and this white clus-
ter, said Laura.
But, sister, you cannot afford it,
Yes can. Godfrey is richl'
The old man bit his lips.
Think, said Jenny, in an undertone,
'ifyou love him, how much il vii! grieve