Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-05-07
HOW HE EARNED A WIFE.

"And you want to marry my daughter, young
man." said farmer Bilfkins, removing the pip,
from his mouth, and looking at the young fellow
from head to foot. uo
Despite his rather indolent, efeminate air, which
was mainly the result Of his education, Luke Jor
dan was fine looking fellow, and not easily moved
from his elf-possession; but he colored and grew
confused beneath that sharp, scrutinizing look.
eyes, sir. spoke to Miss Mary last evening
and she-referred me to you."
The old mans face softened. n..
Molly is good girl, very good girl, he said
stroking bis chin with thoughtful air, land sht
deserves good husband. What can you do !"
The young man looked rather blank at this alb
rupt inquiry. -,
eff you refer to my ability to support wife,
can assure you"
II know that you are rich man, Luke Jordan
but take it for granted that you ask my girl tt
marry you, not your property. What guarantee
can you give me, in case it should be swept away
as it is in thousands of instances-that you coulC
provide for her comfortable home? You have
hands and brains-do you know how to use them
Again I ask; what can you do?
This was the style of'catechism for which Luke
was unprepared, and he stared blankly at the
questioner without speaking.
IT believe you managed to get through college,
have you any profession
"No, sir, I thought
'Have you any trader"
"No, sir; my father thought that, with the
large wealth I should inherit, l should not neeo
any," -." '.'
"Your father thought like fool then. He'o
much better have given you some honest occlpa
ton and cut you off with shilling-it might have
been the making Of you. As it is, what are you
fit for? Here you are strong, able.bodied man.
twenty-four years old, and never earned a dollal
in your life you ought to be ashamed of your
self.' ..r.: ... '.
'And you want to marry my daughter" resu
med the old man after few vigorous pufs al bill
pipe. "Now I've given Molly as good advanta
ges for learning as any girl in town, and she hasn't
thrown EN- away but if she didn't work, she'd
be no daughter of mine. If choose l could keer
more than one servant; but DON'T no more thar
I choose that my daughter should be a pale, spir
itless creature full of dyspepsia, and all 6ne-ady
ailments, instead Of the smiling, brighteyed, rosy
checked lass she is. did say that she should moi
marry any lad that had been cursed with rich
father; out she's taken foolish liking to ye, and
I'll tell ye what I'll do: go to work and prove
yourself to be man; perfect yourself in some oc
cupation- don't care what, so it be honest; ther
come to me, and if the girl is wiling she is yours.
As the old man said this, he deliberately knock
ed the ashes out of his pipe against one Of the
pillars of the porch where he was sitting, tucked
it into his vest pocket, and went into the house.
Pretty Mary Blifkins was waiting to see her 10
yer down at the garden gate, their usual trystinl
place. The smiling light faded from her eyes al
she noticed his sober, discomftted look.
''Father means well, she said, as Luke told hel
the result of his application.
"And am not sure but what he is about right,
she resumed, after thoughtful pause, ''for i
seems to me that every man, be he rich or poor
ought to have some occupation"
Then, as she noticed her lovers grave look, sht
added, softly:
E'Never mind; I'll wait for you Luke"
Luke Jordan suddenly disappeared from his ac
customed haunts much to the surprise Of his 60!
associates. But, wherever he went, he carried
with him in his exile these words and which wer'
like tower of strength to his soul, "Tll wait TO
you, Luke"
One pleasant, sunshiny morning, late in Octo
ber, as farmer Bifki was propping up the grape
vines in his front yard, that threatened to breal
down with the weight of its luxurious burden,
neat looking cart drove up, from which Luke Jor
dan alghted with quick, elastic spring, quite IL
contrast to his easy leisurely movements.
"Good morning Mr.. Blifkins. understand
that you want to buy some butter tubs and eide
barrels think have some here that will suit YOU
ssWhose make are they ?'' enquired the old man
as opening the gate, he passed by the wagon"
"NIine," replied Luke, with an air of unpardon
able pride; and challenge any cooper in the Stat'
to beat them
Mi. Blifkins examined them critically one b!
one.
''They'll do," he said coony, as he sat down tn
last of the lot. "What will you take for them ?
"What asked you for twelve months ago to
day-your daughter, sir.
The roguish twinkle in the old mans eyes broad
ened into smile.
you've got the right metal in you after all,
he cried. "Come in, lad-come in; shouldn'
wonder if we made trade after all. "
Nothing 10th, Luke obeyed.
"Molly |" bawled Mr. Bilfkins, thrusting hi
head into the kitchen door.
Molly tripped out into the entry. The roune
white arms were barred above the elbows, and bor'
traces of the -four she had been sitting. He
dress was neat gingham, over which was tied
neat checked apron but she looked winning ant
lovely as she always did wherever she was found.
She blushed and smiled as she saw Luke, ant
then turning her eyes on her father, waited duti
fully to hear what he had to say.
The old man regarded the daughter quizzically
"Moly, this young man-mayhap you have
seen him before-has brought me lot oftubs ant
barrels, all of his make-a right good article, too
He asks pretty steep price for 'em-but if 70,
are willing to give it, well and good, and bark ye
my girl, whatever bargain you make your old Gath
er will ratify."
AS Mr. Bilf kins said this, he stepped out Of tn
room, and we will follow his example. But th'
kind of bargain the young people made can readil.
be imagined by the speedy wedding which fol
lowed.
Luke Jordan turned his attention to the stud!
of medicine, of which profession he became use
full and influential member; but every year on tn
anniversary of his marriage, he delighted his faith
er-in-law by some specimen of the handicraft b.
which bn ,pon what he declares tn be the hest AMI