The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1868-12-29
EARNING A WIFE.

thoughtful air, sand she deserves a good
husband. What can you do p
The young man looked rather blank
at this abrupt inquiry. sat
"If you refer to my abilities to sup
port wife, ! can assure you"
II know that you are a rich man,
Luke Jordan, but I take it for granted
that you ask my girl to marry you and
not your property. What guarantee
can you give me, in case it should be
swept away, as it is in thousands Of in
stances, that you could provide for her
comfortable home? You have hands
and brains do you know how to use
them2 What can you do Z"
This was a style of catechism for
which Luke was quite unprepared, and
he stared blankly at the questioner witt
out speaking. ,9eifc&
Il believe you managed to get through
college-haye you any profession !"
"No, sir; Thought
"Have you any trade ~ ~
"No, sir; my father thought that with
the wealth I should inherit should not
need any," a4 g. ,gljses,a.
"Your father thought like fool, then.
He'd much better have given you some
honest occupation and cut you off with
q shilling-it might have been the max
ing Of you. AS it is what are you fit
for2 Here you are, strong, able-bod-
led young man, twenty -four years of
age, and never earned dollar in your
life! You ought to be ashamed of your
self. And you want to marry my daugh-
tier. Now, / have given Molly as good
advantages for learning as any girl in
town, and she hasn't thrown 'em away /;
but, if she didn't know how to work,
she'd be no daughter of mine. IT. chose,
l could keep more than one servant, but
1 don't, no more than / chose that my
daughter should be pale, spiritless
creature, full of dyspepsia, all sorts of
fine lady ailments, instead of the smil-
ing, bright-eyed, rosy-cheeked lass she
is, did say that she should not marry
a lad that had been cursed with rich
father; but she has taken foolish liking
to You, and Illtelliycu what I'll do
Go to work, and prove yourself to be a
man; perfect tyoursclf in some occupation
II don't care what if it is honest-then
come to me, and if the girl is willing,
she is yours" .sii-f .ag.tl
As the old man said this he deliber-
ately rose from the settle of the porch,
and went into the house. g
Pretty Mary Bilkins 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 the result of his applica.
ton. Sand I'm not sure but he's
about right, for it seems TO me that
every man, rich or poor, ought to have
some occupation" .is.a
Then, as she noticed her lovers grave
look, she said, softly:
"Never mind, I'll wait for you, Luke
Luke Jordan suddenly disappeared
from his accustomed haunts, much te
the surprise of his gay associates. Blu
wherever he went he carried with hin
those words which were like tower O
strength to bis soul; "I'll wait for you
Luke" ae ..a-s
One pleasant, sunshiny morning, lat
in October, as farmer Bilkins was prop
ping up the grapevine in his front yard
that threatened to break down with th,
weight of its luxurious burden, neat
looking cart drove up, from which Lux
Jordan .alighted with a quick, elasti'
step, quite in contrast with his formerl.
easy, leisurely movements.
a@Good morning, Mr.. Bilkins. I un
lderstood that you wanted to buy som
butter tubs and barrels. / think hav
some that win just suit you"
"Whose make are they7" asked tn
old man, as, opening the gate, he pause'
by the wagon. - a
a"Mine," replied Luke, with an cir o
pardonabla pride. - q 1 ~
Mr.. Bilkins examined them one by one
! "They'n do,'' he said, coolly, as b
set down the last Of the lot. "Wha
will you take for them? p" sH
@"What 1 asked ycu for six month
|ago to-day-your daughter, sir"
The roguish twinkle il the old man
eyes broadened into smile. g l7s
| .'You'Sc got the right metal in you
after ALL" he cried "Come in lad-com
in. 1 shouldn't wonder if we made
trade after alI'' = s
! Nothing 10th, Luke obeyed.
II "Moilyw bawled Mr.. Bilkins, thrust
ing his head into the kitchen door. ~
I Molly tripped out into the entry. Th
lround white arms were barred above tn
elbows and bore traces of the flour sh
had been sitting. Her dress was q nea
gingham, over which was tied blu
check apron; but she looked as winnin
and lovely as she always did whereve
she was found. 9Hj5s5 % See 1'
u She blushed and smiled as she sa
!, Luke, and then turning her eyes upo
her father, waited patiently to hear wh'
he had to say.
The old man regarded his daughterf ft
q moment with quizzieal look. 80
"Mon, this young man, mayhap, ,you'y
; seen him before-has broughtme a lot (
tubs and barrels, all Of his own make
/ right good article, too, He asks pre-
i ty steep price fer 'em,too, but if you al
, willing to give it, we'll and good; an
. hark ye, my girl, whatever bargain yo
make, your father will ratify." 30,
AS Mr.. Bilkins said this, he consid
rately stepped out of the room. and '
! will follow his example. But the kind
: bargain the young people made can rea'
lily be conjectured by the speedy weddir
that followed ,,caI.l.s 81 aa,s,g
Luke Jordan turned his attention
the study of medicine, of which .profe
sion he became useful and inhuenti
member; but every year, on the anniye
sary OF his marriage, hs delights b