The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-09-05

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 beT's N.s ~ - kzs5s fr-fF
"Whose wedding?'
Miss Laura Somen, or Jenny, which is
81 don't know, I'm sure.''
NOW don't be mysterious, Godfrey, you
are constant visitor, and all our set is talk.
ing about the match, Don't pretend YOU have
not selected one of the sisters"
Glow do YOU know whether either of them
will have me p
"Don't be absurd, old boy. Come, be
frank, which is the favorite sister?''
We'll, frankly then, l have visited the
family for several months as you know but /
cannot decide. Laura is certainly the hand
soonest, with her flashing black eyes and
queenly manner; but Jenny seems, although
the youngest, TO be the most womanly and
useful of the two. Ny entrance is the signal
for cordial welcome and smiles, and let me
call at what hour / will, they are ALWAYS
dressed, and apparently disengaged. To Be
sure, always in the morning have to wait
before Laura is visible.
Pop in Unexpectedly, and notice the inter
nal economy -
GLOW can II A card at the door will put
the lady on her guard, or even the notice of a
gentleman visitor
20 In disguise, then. AS washerwoman,
for instance
"Goodl / will"
go there as washerwoman p, cried CLAW
ton.
"Not exactly, but will obtain admittance
to morning privacy"
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 end of my short sketch he was about to
supply the lamented Mrs. Somers' place. af.
Ter nearly ten years OF mourning, and al
though KIND and indulgent parent, had no
objection to his daughters marriage. and. in.
deed, told them so. Laura, whose high spirit
resented the probable supremacy of q step
mother, had already selected Godfrey Horton
as her husband and Jenny, who was Younger
and gentler in spirit, had tried to conouer a
carefully concealed preference for the same
person. All his attentions were ascribed by
her as brotherly regard, though every act
OF kindness and courtesy touched her very
heart
1t was the morning after large ball, and
the sisters were in the breakfast room to.
gether. Laura, her glossy black hair brushed
n. H.
bling braids of last evenings coifmre oath
cred loosely in a comb, wearing a soiled wrap-
per, torn stockings, and presenting rather an
alarming contrast to the brilliant ballroom
belle, was iounging on a sofa. Jenny, in
neat morning dress, with q large bingham
apron; and hair smoothly brushed into n nret-
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, 'wirl you see
him %
NO" said Jenny
Yes" cried Laura, 'send him up.'i
The servant descended to obey the last or.
der.
In few moments the old man came in.
tie was poorly clad, 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
low bow, he placed large basket upon a
table and opened it.
~ have bunch Of blue flowers here - he
said, taking them from his basket, "that will
just SUIT your golden hair, miss and held
them up to Jenny. -tss. fs+a.r7,
sit was my sister who wished TO look at
your towers," said she quietly.
80 es, bring them here" was Laura's i'm
perious 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. Will it not
De lovely with few dark leaves, to wear with
my new silk
but yon cannot afford it just now," whis-
pered Jenny.
Yes can. Father gave me some money
yesterday ''
ut. "To Pay the last dry goods BILL
"Well can have that carried to my private
account ~ F-''"''
ooh Laura / hate to hsar you talk so of
s oha.R private s. account II loo so much like
Nonsense 1t will stand till .Fket married:
then can easily save it out of my house keep
ing money" ep
II shouldn't wish to marry in debit said
Jenny, "and then take money from nv hns-
band TO pay my debts; that would be yery
mean" '
The pedlar looked at the sisters during
this conversation, though unobserved by
them. ~
|" fou had better take this bunch. miss y
said he TO Jenny. "If it amt convenient a.
you to pay now, will call for the money ut
another time ~
mo, shall not take them
10. ~, i'h ihy haif was ngnt, said Laura ::
I'D like to wear blue Godfrey Horton sa;d
last night that forget-me-n were his favor.
lite flowers vi
Jenny colored, and placing the bunch again
in the basket, said "Come, Laura. decide
You are keeping this man waitinr-time +
probably valuable to him." and then nass;nv
q chair, she added: "Be seated, sir. Won must
be tired '" 'iuS'
% am tired, indeed" was the reply
Will take that scarlet bunch, and those
red camelias, and this white CLUSTER Maid
Laura ''1
But, sister, you'can afford it,, Il
Yes l can. Godfrey is richIn
Inc ne Old man bit his lips.
Think, said Jenny, in an undertone. of
you love him, how much it win Rrieye him. e
he should discover this deceit
Nonsense "Well, I'll tell Won Nov %
remedy it. Lend me some money ont Of tho
housekeeping fund" " '''0
Laura Steal from father?,,
There, don't preach y
Miss JENNY, said servant entering at
that moment, q the dinner has come. > -
Jenny left the room, and Laura sill turp;,.
over the gay flowers, while the old man no;nts
ed their beauties; he in the meantime VA.
running over the disordered hair, shabby
dress, and lazy, slouchy position Of Laura.
while he mentally contrasted them with Jen,
uvfa neat affiro -.