Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1868-02-21
EARNING A WIFE.

&c And 80 you want 10 marry my daughter
young man, nd Farmer Burton. removing
the PIPE from his mouth, and l1okin-at the
young fellow sharply from head to toe.
Despite his rather ind0lent, eiieminate air.
which was mainly the result Of his education.
Luke Jordan was a fine looking fellow. and
not easily moved from his self-possession ;
but he colored and grew confused beneath
that sharp, scrutinIzing look.
90 Yes, sir. l spoke to Miss Mary last eve
ming, and she-she referred me to YOU"
The old mans face softened.
'' Molly Is a good girl. very good girl, 80
he said, stroking his chin with thoughtful
air, and she deserves a good husband.
What can YOU do?'
The young man looked rather blank at
this abrupt inquiry
80 If You refer to my ability to support a
wife. l can assure YOU"
- ! know that YOU are well off Luke JOr-
dan, but | take it for granted that You asked
my girl to marry You, not your property.
What guarantee can YOU give me, in case 1t
should be swept awav-as 1t les in thousands
Of instances-that You could provide for her
a comfortable home You have hands and
brains-do You know how to use them :?
Again ask, what can YOU do?'
This was a style of cateclism for which
Luke was quite unprepared, and again he
stared bankly at the questi0ner without
speaking.
- l believe you managed to get through
college-have you any profession
" No, sir [ thought
&. Have YOU any tade?''
q. No. sir. MY father thought that,
with the wealth I should inherit, | should
not need any.
- Your father thought like a fool then.
He'd much better have given you some hon
est occupation, and cut You of with a shil-
ling-it might have been the making of you.
As it is, what are You fit for? Here You are,
a strong, able-bodied young man, twenty
four years old, and never earned penny in
your life You might be ashamed Of your
self"
- And YOU want to marry my daughter,
resumed the old man, after a few vigorous
puiis at his pipe. o.. Now I've given Molly
as GOOD advantages for learning as a girl
could have, and she hasn't thrown EN- away
but if she didn't know how to work. she'd
be no daughter of mine. If | chose, | could
keep more servants but don't no more
than l choose that my daughter should be a
Tale spiritless creature full Of dyspepsia and
all manner Of fne-lady ailments. instead Of
the smiling. bright-evcd, rOsy-cheek lass she
is. did say that she should marry no lad
that had been cursed with rich father
but she's taken a foolish liking to you, and
I'll tell We what III do. Go TO work. and
prove yourself man perfect yourself in
some occupatiOn-I don't care what, 50 it he
honest then, come to me, and, il the girl is
willing, She yours"
A ho oh Il I. liz j.
knocked the ashes out of his pipe against
one OF the pillars Of the porch where he was
sitting, tucked it into his pocket. and went
into the house.
Pretty Mary Burton was waiting to see
ser lover down at the garden gate. their
fls,lal trvsting place The smiling light faded
froui her eyes as she noticed his sober, dis
comftsd look
- Father means well. '' she said, as Luke
told her the result of his application. - And
I'm not sure but what he is about right, 3"
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 lover grave look,
she added softly -. Never mind I'll wait
for You, Luke g.
Luke Jordan suddenly di-aur,arl from his
accustomed haunts. much 20 lie s,,r,,riss Of
his gay associates. But, wherever he wont
N carried with him in his exile those ,,-o-ls
,ln% which were like tower of strength -
his scsl-' III wait for YOU. Luke ~
One lleasant sunshiny morning. late in
October. as farmer Burton was proupino mn
the grapevine IN his front yard, that threat
ened to break jGEn with the weight of It's
luxurious burdens, a neat looking cart drove
up, from which Luke Jordan alighted with a
quick, elastic spring, quite in contrast to hii
former easy leisurely movements.
% Good morning, Mr.. Burton. | under
ssooq that you wanted to buy some butter
tubs as.4 cider barrels. | think | have somt
here thaS .ill Just suit you
" Whose make ?" inquired the old man.
- Nine" replied Luke. with an air o
pardonable pride and challenge any coop
er in Canada TO beat them"
Mr.. Burton examined them one by one.
d" They'll do he said, coollv. as he se
down the last Of the lot " What will vor
take for them?"
What l asked You for six months az,
to-day-your daughter, sir ="
The roguish twinkle in the old mans eve
broadened into a smile.
g You've got the right metal in you, afte
all" he cried. " Come in, lad-come in.
shouldn't wonder if we made bargain
Nothing 10th, Luke obeyed.
Z" Molly! - bawled Mr. Burton, thrustin
his head into the kitchen door.
Molly triPpsa out into the hall TIL