Fayette County herald. [volume] (Washington [Washington Court House], Fayette County, O. [Ohio]) 1860-1???, 1867-10-24
Choosing a Wife.
BY A LADY.

/ had n cousin, a clever, charming
girl. She could dance gracefully
draw beautifully, and play divinely
she was most delightful compan
ion, being both sensible and witty
and she could also perform an,
sort Of household work. The lat
ter she was compelled to do, fol
there was large family Of them. -
My aunt being unable to afford tC
keep more than one servant, ant
my cousin Ellen being. the eldest, {
! good deal Of labor fell to her share
This she did not much mind, bu
always performed it cheerfully anC
well, only taking care that it should
not be known among her acquaint.
ance, fearing if it were, she should
lose the respect and consideration
her superior address and accom-.
| plishments everywhere ensured her
and rs she was at all times seen
dressed like a lady, and never al
any occupation more useful than
knitting, knotting, or worsted work,
no one suspected her of being able
to do what she really did. cannot
say she was without lovers, for she
was universally admired and sought
but somehow the young men seem
ed unanimously to set her down for
q fine lady, and she had completed
her twenty second birthday without
having an offer. Her companions
all maryelled that she should re-
main single so long; and l, among
the rest, thought it very odd, though
there was often an actual conten-
ton for her hand at Il ball, no one
wished to secure her as a partner
for life.
Among our intimatcs was a gen
tleman distantly related to my hus-
band, who l had often suspected
greatly admired my cousin Ellen,
but still made no proposal BY
mere chance I ascertained that she
regarded him with feelings more fa-
vorable than she had ever entertain
ed for another; and as the match
seemed so suitable, l resolved to
find out what kept them apart
A long tete-a-tete l had one evening
with the gentleman, favored my de
sign. After conversing for time
on various subjects, we began to
talk of our female acquaintances.
and in order to disarm suspicion, l
avoided mentioning El-
lena name.
Its unaccountable to me, Phil
.p," said !, "that you don't begin
10 look out for a wife; you know
what an advocate I am for mqtri-
nony, and positively if you become
IN old bachelor l llcut your acquain-
.ance altogether"
ii have no such intentions, | as
sure you" answered Philip; land
o speak the truth, l have been
seeking for a wife for some time
)ast,"
Indeed and are you so impress
ID with the idea Of your own excel
encieS that you cannot find wom-
IN worthy of you ?" l asked.
mot so,"' replied Phillip; "but
fear the woman l am most charm
ID with is not a fit wife for me. |
.annot marry a mere fine lady, and
'et require an accomplished wom-
IN. My wife must be cultivated
md refined, and l should like that
he possessed personal charms;
many such | have known; but then
he must be amiable, and, though
uite at home in the drawing-room,
he must also understand the details /
t housekeeping, and to be compe-
ent to manage family, direct her
ervant's, and to take the servants
lace, if need be-"
"Why, it is a rara aVtS, indeed,
nat you require" said l, laughing;
| admire your modesty, young
entleman, l must confess; and, |
you were to find such a
hGnix, what, may l ask, do you {
ropose as an equivalent? or, do
on imagine your own pretty per- |
on, the privilege of bearing your /
anne and making the most of your t
lcome, would constitute fair ex- 9
hange? What could you offer to |
lduce such rare piece of perfec- t
on to accept you for her lord and |
laster p |
What could l ofter?" returned /
'hilip, with warmth "why, ] would '
fer myself, not, mind you, after =
le fashion Of too many young men /
f the present day. ! would bind I
lystlf to her, body and soul, For \
uch a woman, would toll like Il '
lave, if it were necessary for such
woman, l do not say | would die; {
nat is tame; but for such a woman, {
would live; | would shield her I
rom evil; l would tighten her of |
very care; l would surround her |
18th every comfort; in short, l ,
'ould dedicate my whole existence {
} the promotion of her happi- l
ess," S
Gently, gently" cried 1 "mod- s
rate your transports, and tell me
you know any lady who ap- a
reaches near the perfection you
emand ?"
II know one" he replied, slightly /
"that I would give much S
, learn possesses these require e
she has, but the most
aF.AHN