Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1867-11-06
FARMING A WIFE.

AND SO you want to marry my daughter,
young man." said farmer Blifkins, removing
the pipe from his mouth, and looking at the
young fellow sharply from head to toe
Despite his rather indoient, effeminate air,
which was mainly the result of his educa-
tion, Luke Jordan was fine looking fellow.
not easily moved from his self possession
but he colored and grew confused beneath
that sharp, scrutinizing look.
Yes. sir. spoke to Miss Mary last
evening, and-she referred me to you.
Ehe old man face softened.
Molly Is gooa girl, rery good girl, ;"
De eeisid, stroking his chin with q thoughtful
air, and deserves good husband. What
can you do ?''
The young man looked blank at this ab-
rupt inquiry.
IF you refer to my ability to support a
vie can assure you
Il know that you are rich man, Luke
Jordan, but take it for granted that You
nsk my girl to marry you, not your property.
What guarantee can you give me, in case it
should be swept away-as i. is in thousands
of insrancss-ttat you could provide for her
q comfortable home2 You have hands and
bralns-doy youk now how To use them? Again
/ ask, what can you do ?'
This style of catechism. for which Luke
blankly at the questions without speaking.
Il believe you managed to get through
soilege-have you any profession
No, sir; thought
Have you any trade p
No, sir; my father thought that, With
the wealth l should inherit, I should not
need any.
Your father thought like fool, then.
He'd much better have given you some hon
est occupation and cut you off with shil
hug-it might have been the making of you.
As it is what are you fit for? Here you
are, strong, able bodied young man, twen-
ty-four years old, and never earned dollar
in your life You ought to be ashamed of
yourself p"
And you want to marry my daughter"
resumed the old man after few vigorous
puffs at his pipe. Nov I've given Molly
As good advantages for learning as any girl
in town, and she hasn't thrown 'em away;
but if she didn't know how to work, she'd d
be no daughter Of mine. fl chose. could
keep more than one servant; but don no
more than choose that my daughter should
be pale, spiritless creature. full of dyspep.
'ia and all manner of fine lady ailments, in
stead Of the smiling, bright t-eyed, rosy
eheed lass she is / did say that she should
marry no lad that had been cursed with
rich father; but she's taken foolish liking
soyou, and I'll tell you what I'll do: go to
work, and prove yourself to be man; per
fect yourself in some occupation-1 don't
care what, so it be honest; then come to me
and if the girl is willing, she is yours.
A, the old man said this, he deliberately
Knocked the ashes out Of his pipe against
one Of the pillars Of the porch where he was
hitting, tucked it into his vest pocket, and
vent into the house
Pretty Mary Blifkins was waiting to, see
Ger lover down by the garden gate. their
9sua trysting place. The smiling light ia
Ged from her eyes as she noticed his sober
dlscom6ted look.
Father means we'll |" she said, as Luke
'0ld her the result of his application.
And I'm not sure but what he s right,
.:ae resumed, after thoughtful pause, for
nseems to me that every man, be he rich |
or poor, ought to have some occupation"
Then, as she noticed her lovers grave
"ok she added softly:
Never mind; I'll wait for you, Luke"
4: Luke Jordan suddenly disappeared from
us accustomed haunts, much to the surprise |
o. his gay associates. But, wherever he
vent ne carried In his. exile these words,
aa which were tower of strength to his
"3,' III wait for you, Luke"
nvne pleasant, sunshiny morning, late in
NJ waoo,er, as Farmer Blifkins was propping
y the grape vine in his front yard, that
.%sreatened - to break down with the weight |
US luxurious burden. a neat-looking cart |
,m .ore up, from WHICH Luke Jordan alighted
IN IN quick. elastic spring. quite in contrast
"s ns formerly easy, leisurely movements.
d., go9d morning, Mr.. Blifkins. I under
tsIs Soa .hst you wanted to buy some butter
49,. and cider barrels Think have some
s.u1 1nat will just suit you"
whose mske are they?" inquired the