The Portland daily press., 1865-01-28
Saturday Morning, Jan. 90, 1866.
How Godfrey Chose his Wife.

now Goo1rey Uncse his Wife.
"Godtrey, old boy, said Henry CLAYTON as he
tilted back in his chair, and put his feet on the
mante-piece, when is the wedding to be p
"Whose wedding?" kkk ~
"Miss Laura Somers, or Jenny, which is
it2"
''Now don't be mysterious Godfrey you
are constant visitor, and all 'our set are
talking about the match. Don't pretend you
have notseiected one OF the sisters" so5aE
How do you know either of them will
have me?"
0rDon't be absurd, old boy. Come, be frank,
which is the favorite sisterp' AatNAAs9~
"Well, frankly then, have visited the fami-
ly for several months, as you know, butsI can
not decide. Laura is certainly the handsom-
est with her flashing black eyes, and queenly
manner; but Jenny although the youngest.
seems to be the most womanly and useful OF
the two. Yet l cannot be sure oil that NV
entrance is the signaf for cordial welcome and
smiles, and let me callcat what hour will
they are always we'll dressed, and apparently
disengaged. To be sure, always, in the NOR
ming, have to wait some time before Laura is
visible
"Pop in unexpectedly, and notice the inter
nal ecohomy.n 3A3 ~ @gAAv
"How can II Acard at the door will put
any lady on her guard, or even the notice of
gentleman VISITOR asgo
go there ia disguise. As a wash-woman,
for instance" aisai1 talHidf hJEc0b
"Goodl 1 will.' m
"Go there as a wash-womanv cried Clay
Not exactly; but will obtain admittance
to mornings privacy" .,ss -rt
swell let me know the result"
Laura and Jenny were the children of a
widower, who although in moderate circum-
stances, moved in fashionable society. At the
ft11u hsax 4N5
ply the lamented Mrs. Somers' place, after
nearly ten years mourning; and although
kind and lndulgent parent had no objections
10 his daughters marriage, and indeed, had
told them 50. Laura, whose high spirit re-
sented the probable supremacy of step-moth-
er, had already selected Godfrey Horton fol
her future husband; and Jenny, who was
younger and gentler in spirit had tried to con-
quer a carefully conceived 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.
1t was the morning after large ball and the
sisters were in the breakfast room together
Laura, her glossy black hair brushed negli-
gently off her face, with the rough, tumbled
braids OF last evenings coiffnre gathered
loosely in a comb, wearing a soiled wrapper,
torn stockings, and presenting rather an
alarming contrast to the brilliant ball room
belle, was lounging on q sofa. Jenny, in
neat morning dress, with large gingham
apron, and hair smoothly brushed into a pref
ty 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, twill you see himW
NO." said Jenny. aaa beibnHd raa9
d ayes" cried Laura, send him up" 91lA
The servant descended to obey the last or
der. 85
Ia O few moments the old man came in.
l0ir lie was poorly dressed with coarse blue
cloak, which was much too large for him.
His hair was white, and he wore a beard and
moustache of the same snowy hue. Making
al low bow, he placed the large basket upon
table and opened it. .i go -st,
81 have a bunch of blue flowers here" said
he, taking them IRON the basket SHAT will
suit your golden hair, Miss and held them
up before Jenny, I'D 4ts ,ii5I
stIt was my sister who wished to look at
your flowers" said Jenny quietly. ~
"Yes, 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 beside Laura, who was stillooking over
the basket.
ssee, Jenny. this bunch. Will it not be
lovely, With few dark leaves, to wear with
but" whispered Jenny, "youcannot afford
it just now"
;'Yes | can. Father gave me some money
yesterday"
"To pay the last dry goods biIl.'
swell. | can have that carried to my private
account" aeaama e8sa A1 sas0a wa
i.- "Oh! Laura, hate to hear you talk of thai
priyate account. Itseems so much like cheat
ing father"
.fti Nonsense it will stand till AMI married
then can easily save it out of my house-keep
ing money"
~ IsI shouldn't wish to marry in debt" sale
Jenny.
The pedlar locked at the sisters.
l-e 4'T'ley are very becoming, Miss. Look il
the glass"
"I wish my hair was light" said Laura, "r(
like to wear blue. Godfrey Horton said last
,iphL that forget me-nots were his favorit'
Jenny colored. and placing the bunch agail
in the basket said, "Come, Laura, DECIDE
You are keeping one waiting whose Time Il
>" probably yaluable;' and then passing chai'
She added, "Be seated, SIR, you must De tlr
ed.n a5qs eas aoE ast eW
II am tired, indeed" was the reply.
81 sill take that scarlet bunch and thos
caYlleEas. and this white cluster" said Lau
Ia. 80,
bat. sister, you cannot afford it."
Eyes | can Godfrey Horton is rich"
The old man bit his lip. .aa
think, !" said Jenny, in an undertone, :"
Won love him, how much it will grieye him,
he should discover this deceit" a sa
'.Nonsensel Well, I'll tell yon how to rem
edy IL. Lend nae some money out OF the house
keeping funds"
Laura! steal from father?"
"There, don't preach" "gdbas is
8 Miss Jenny" said a servant, entering 6
slas moment, "the dinner has coMe.'
Jenny left the room, and Laura still turne
oyer the gay flowers. While the old ma
,,ointed ont their various beauties, he in th
meantime was running over the disordere
hair shabby dress, and lazy position, while
mentallv contrasted them With NJenny's ne;
attire. ,....,-z,.-
Not decided yet9" said Jenny, returnn
after short absence. 4,-
"No. Come here"
II can't. Father has sent home calfs ,nes
and am afraid to trust it entirely TO ma
garet !; must superintend the dinner, make
pudding, and the parlors must be busted, an
there is nv white null to be finished"
Before I'd be the drudge that you are
cried Laura. ssse.sE Eesesa
"Drudge nonsense. have time for enjo
mept, and father cannot have comfortab
= house If some one does not superintend the
things. When Imarry, you may do it," s.
laughed merriy.
l6s if should not marry first" said Laul
seThere, have chosen all want"
"ShaH / call again for the changer" So
the pedler. 81 shall be happy to put the Mi
es on nay list of customers
"Yes, callagsin," said Laura.
So the psdlar took up his basket, and wa
ed home, threw aside his wig, beard and 9