The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1868-04-18
EARNING A WIFE.

y land so You want to marry my daughter,
young man." said Farmer Burton, removing the
pipe from his mouth, and looking at the young
fellow sharply from head to toe. s,.l.li,t $3.50,
Despite his rather indolent, sffeminate air,
which was mainly the result Of his education,
Luke Jordan was a fine looking fellow, and not
easily moved from his self-possessioA but he
colored and grew confused beneath that sharp,
scrutinizing look.
"Yes, sir. spoke to Miss Mary last evening,
and she--she referred me to YOU $40 i
The old mans face softened. ,r
'Nfolly isa good girl, a very good girl" he
said, stroking his chin with thoughtful air,
''and she deserves good husband. What can
you do y .ftf u GYS
The young man looked rather blank at this
abrupt inquiry. rr w w.
III you refer to my ability to supporta wife,
l can assure you
81 know you are we'll enough of, Luke Jordan,
but take it for, granted that you asked my girl
to marry you, not your property. What guar
antee can you give me, in case it should be swept
away--as it is in thousands of instances-that
you could provide for her comfortable home?
You have hands and brhins--do YOU knew how
to use them? Again ask, what can you do ?"
Is This was style of oatechism, for which Luke
was quite unprepared, and again he stared blank
ly at the questioner without speaking.
Il believe you managed to get thro college
have you any profession ~
mo, sir; I thought" aqsg
"Have you any trade?' 20"
"No, sir Ny father thought that, with the
wealth I should inherit, Ishould not heed any"
Your father thought like fool then. He'd
and cut you off with shilling it might have
been the making of you. AS it is, what are you
fit forT Here you are, a strong, able bodied
young man, "a years old, and never earned
penny in your life? You might be ashamed of
yourself go
And you want to marry my daughter" re-
sumed the old man after few vigorous pufis at
his pipe. "Now, I've given Molly as good ad-
vaAtages for learning as girl could have, and
she hasn't thrown them away; but If she didn't
know how to work, she'd be no daughter Of mine.
If l chose, could keep more servants3 bnt l
don't no more than choose that my daughter
should be pale spiritless creature, full Of dys-
pepsia and all manner of fine lady ailments, in
stead of the smiling, bright eyed, rosy cheek lass
she is. / did say that she should marry no lad
that had been cursed with . rich father; but
she's taken foolish liking to you, and I'll tell
you what I'll do. Go to work, and prove your
self q man; perfect yourself in some occupation
Il don't care what 10 it be honest; then come
to me, and if the girl is willing, she 10 yours"
| AS the old man said this, he deliberately
knocked the ashes ont of his pipe against one Of
the pillars Of the porch where he was sitting,
tuckd it into his pocket and went into the house.
Pretty Mary Burton was waiting to zee her
lover down at the garden gate, their usual tryst-
ing. The smiling light faded from her eyes -
she noticed his sober, discounted look.
Father means well" she said, a. Luke told
her the result Of his application. "And I'm not
sure but what he is about right" she resumed
after pause; 'for it seems to me that every man,
no ba rich ovo,k< 10 hov
tion."
Then, as she noticed her lovers grave look,
she added softly: never mind; I'll wait for you,
Lukew 1
Luke Jordan suddenly disappeared from his
accustomed haunts, much to the surprise of his
gay associates. But, wherever he went he carfi-
ed with him these words, and which were like .
| tower OF strength to his soul--"rn wait for you,
Lukew
One pleasant sunshiny morning late in Octo-
Der as farmer Burton was propping up the grape
down with the weight of its luxurious burdens
| a neat cart drove up, from which Luke Jordan
alighted with quick, elastic spring, quite in
contrast to his former easy leisurely movements
Good morning, Mr.. Burton. / understand
that you wanted to buy some butter tubs and
cider barrels. think have some here that
| will just suit you" ar.~g
Nv hose make Z! lnqulrod the old man.
'Mine," replied Luke, with an air of pardon
able pride, "and challenge any cooper in Cana.
da to beat them" 4, ,1evo5 So -
| Mr.. Burton examined them one by one.
They'll do" he said coolly, as he set down
the last of the lot. "What will you take for
them tat-
"What asked you for six months ago to-day
your daughter, sir" taua
The roguish twinkle in the old mans eyes
| broadened into emile.
you've got the right metal in you, after all, ="
he cried. "Come in, lad-come in. shouldn't
wonder if we made q bargain"
Nothing loth Luke obeyed.
"Molly !" bawled Mr.. Burton, thrusting his
head into the kitchen door. .-'N lI
Molly tripped into the hall. The round white
arms barred above the elbows, and bore traces o (
the -four she had been sitting. Her dress was a
neat gingham, over which was tied q blue check
ed apron; but she looked ~ winning and lovely
IS she always did wherever she was found
She blushed and smiled as she saw Luke, and
then, turning her eyes upon her father, waited
to hear what he had to say. aeos 3
The old man regarded his daughter for mo-
msnt with quizzical look.
"Molly, this young man--mayhsp you've seen
him before-has brought me q lot Of tubs and
barrels, all of his own maks--a right good arti
Gle, too. He asks pretty price for 'sm; but
if you are willing to giveit, welland good harl
We, my girl-whstever bargain you make, III
ratify." sep s-us y rets s.aat Z.
As Mr. Burton said this, hs consideratel,
stepped out Of the room, and We will follow hi
example. But the kiad of bargain the young
people made can be readily ooniectured by thu
speedy wedding that followed. i,,'r ii ,.a..s,
| - -, y = = = y