The Shasta courier., 1868-04-25
EARNING A WIFE.

his pipe from his mouth and looking at the
young fellow sharply from head to toe.
Despite his rather indolent, effeminate air,
which was mainly the result of his education,
Luke Jordon was fine hooking fellow and
not easily moved from his self-possession
but he colored and grew confused beneath
that sharp scrutinzng look.
Yes, sir; spoke to Miss Mary last eve
ming, and she referred me to you.'
The old mans face softened.
Molly is good girl, very good girl"
he said, stroking his chin with thoughtful
air, "a and she deserves a good husband -
| What can you do?'
The young man looked rather blank at
this abrupt inquiry.
eff you refer to my ability to support
wife, | can assure you"
81 know that you are rich man, Luke
Jordon, but | take it for granted that you
ask my girl to marry you, not your prop.
erty. What guarantee can you give me in
case it should be swept away-as it is in
thousands of instances that you could pro-
vide for her 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 catechism for which
Luke was quite unprepared, and he stared
| blankly at the questions without speaking.
Il believe that you managed to get thro'
College-have you any profession ?''
g No, sir; thought"
Have you any trade? ?"
No, sir; my father thought that with
the wealth | should inherit | would not need
any,"
Your father thought like fool then
He'd much better have given you some occu-
patton and cut you off with a shilling-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 DID, and never earned dollar in your
life You ought to be ashamed of your
SELF"
And you want to marry my daughter ?"
resumed the old man, after few vigorous
puffs at his pipe. "Now, I've given Molly
good advantages for learning, and she hasn't
thrown 'em away; but if she didn't know
how to work she would be no daughter of
mine. If chose, could keep more than
one servant; but prefer, you see, that my
daughter should not be a pale, spirtless
creature full of dyspepsia, and all manner
of fine lady ailments, instead of the smiling,
bright eyed, rosy checked lass that she is
| did say that she should marry no lad that
had been cursed by rich father but she's
taken foolish likin' to ye, and I'll tell We
what will do; Go to work and prove your
self to be man perfect yourself in some
occupation, l don't care what, so it be hon
est. and then come to me, and if the girl is
willing she is yours
As the old man said this, he deliberately
knocked the ashes out of his pipe, tucked it
into his vest pocket and wen. into the
house.
Pretty Mary Blifkins was waiting to see
her lover down at the garden gate, their
usual trysting place. The smiling light
faded from her eyes as she noticed his sober,
discounted look
Father means well,'' she said, as Luke
told her tie result of his application " and
L am not sure but what he is about right"
she resumed after thoughtful panse, +" for
poor. ought to have some occupation"
| Then as she noticed her lovers grave look.
she added softly:
"N Never mind, I'll wait for you, Luke"
Luke Jordon suddenly disappeared from
his accustomed haunts, much to the surprise
of his gay associates. But wherever he went
he carried with him in his exile these words,
"Pll wait for you Luke"
One pleasant, sunshnv morning, late in
October, as farmer Blifkins was propping up
the grape vine in his front yard, that threat
ened to break down with the weight of its
luxurious burdens, neat looking cart drove
up, from which Luke Jordon alighted with
a quick elastic spring, quite in contrast to
his former easy leisurely movements.
Good morning. Mr.. Blifkins. / under
stand that you want to buy some butter tubs
and cider barrels. l think have some here
that will suit you."
Whose make are they ?" inquired the
old man, as opening the gate, he paused by
the wagon.
Mime he replied, with an air of par
donable pride land challenge any cooper
in the State to beat them"
| Mr.. Blifkins examined them critically, one
by one.
They'll do" he said coolly, "what will
We take for them ?'
What l asked you for six months ago
to-day-the hand Of your daughter. sir"
The rcguish twinkle of the old mans ewes
frightened into smile.
:" You've got the right metal in you after
all, he cried. "Come income in.
shouldn't wonder if we made trade after
ALL"
Nothing 10th, Luke obeyed.
Molly ~ bawled Mr.. Bifkins, thrusting
his head into the kitchen door.
Molly tripped out into the entry. The
round white arms were barred above the
elbows, and bore traces of the -four she had
been sitting. Her dress was neat gingham,
over which was tied blue checked apron !;
but she looked as winning and lovely as she
always did wherever she was found.
She blushed and smiled as she saw Luke,
and then turning her eyes upon her father,
waltei dutifully to hear what he had to say.
The old man regarded his daughter for
moment with qrizzical look.
Molly, this yoang man-mayhap you've
seen him before-has brought us lot of
tubs and barrels, and of his own make-a
right good article, too. He asks a pretty
good price for 'em but if you are willing to
give it, well and good and bark ye, my
girl, whatever bargain you make, your old
father will ratify"
As Mr.. Blifkins said this, he considerably
stepped out of the room, and we will follow
his example. But the kind of bargain made
can be easily conjectured by the speedy
wedding that followed.