The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-08-19
TLL WAIT FOR YOU.

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moving the pipe from his mouth and look.
ing at the young man sharply from head to
| foot.
Despite his rather indolent, effeminate
air, which was mainly the result of his edu-
cation. Luke Jordan was fine looking
fellow, and not easily moved from his self
possession; but he colored, and grew con-
fused beneath this sharp scrutinizing look.
Yes sir, l spoke to Miss Mary last
evening, ard she-she referred to you"
The old mans face softened.
Mary is good girl--a very good GIRL
he said, stroking his chin with thought
full air, and she deserves good husband.
What can you do to make living"
The young man looked rather blank at
this abrupt inquiry.
I" you refer to my ability to support a
wife, can assure you---"
81 know you are rich man, Luke Jor-
dan, butt take it for granted yon ask my
daughter to marry you, not your property.
What guarantee can you give me, 10 case
it were swept away, as in thousands of in
stances, that you can provide for her n
comfortable home? You have hands and
brains, do you know how to use them I?
Again / ask you what can you do 2"
This was style of catechism for which
Luke was wholly unprepared, and he
stared blandly at the questions without
speaking.
4 | believe you managed to get through
college-havc you any profession 2"
Nc, sir, l thought"
"Haye you any trader"
"No sir, my father thought that with
the wealth l should inherit, should not
need any,"
Your father thought like a fool, then.
He'd much better have given you some
honest occupation and cut you off without
a dollar-it might have been the making Of
you. AS it is, what are you fit for? Here
you are, strong, able-bodied young man,
twenty-four years old, and never earned a
dollar in your life. You ought to be
ashamed of yourself. And you want to
marry my daughter" resumed the old man,
after few vigorous puffs at his pipe.
/" Now, I've given Mary as good advanta-
ges for learning as any girl in town, and
she hasn't thrown them away but if she
didn't know how to work, she'd be no
daughter of mine. If chose could keep
more than one servant, but I don't; no
more than ! chose that my daughter should
be pale, spiritless creature, full of dyspep-
sia and all manner of fine lady ailments,
instead of the smiling, bright eyed, rosy
checked lass that she is. I did say that
she should marry no lad that had been
cursed with a rich father but she's taken
foolish liking to you, and I'll tell you
what I'll do; 60 to work. and prove your
settle be man; perfect yourself in some
occupation-E don't care what, SO it is hon.
est-then come to me, and if the girl be
willing, she is yours"
AS 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 sitting, put it into his vest pocket, and
went into the house.
Pretty Mary Bliffkins was waiting to
see her-lover down at the garden gate, their
usual trysting place. The smiling light ia
ded from her eye as she noticed his sober,
discounted look.
Father means WE'LL" she said, as Luke
told her the result of his application, g and
am not sure but what he is about right"
she resumed after thoughtful pause, /" for
it seems to me that every man, be he rich
or poor, ought to have some occupation"
Then, as she noticed her lovers grave
look, she said softly:
{" Never mindful wait for you Luke"
Luke Jordon suddenly disappeared from
his accustomed haunts much to the sur
prise of his gay associates. But wherever
he went. he carried with him, in his exile,
these words, and which were like tower
of strength to his soul, an wait for you
Luke"
One pleasant sunshiny morn late in Oc-
tober, as farmer Bliffkins-was propping up
the grapevines in his front garden that
threatened to break down with the weight
OF its luxurious branches, neat looking
cart drove up, from which Luke Jordan
alighted, with a quick elastic spring, quite
in contrast to his former easy Ieisurely
movements.
Good morning, Mr.. BIffkins. Iunder-
stood that you wanted to buy some cider
barrels. think l have some here that
will just suit you"
Whose make are they inquired the
old man, as, opening the gate, he paused
by the wagon.
Mine" replied Luke with an air of par
donable pride, "and / challenge any COO
per to beat them"
Mr.. Bliffkins exarlined them critically,
one by one.
'eTheyll do he said coolly, as he set
down the last Of the lot. "What'll you
take for them?