The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1869-03-04
Earning a Wlfe.

"AnQ SO you want ~ marry AJ Oauoulei'
young mani" said farmer Bilkins, looking
at the young fellow sharply from head to
toes.
Despite his rather indolent effeminate air,
which was mainly the result Of his educa-
ton, Luke Jordan was fine looking fellow,
and not easily moved from his self-posses-
ion but he colored and grew confused be-
meath that sharp scrutinizing gaze.
eyes, sir: I spoke to Miss Mary last
night, and she referred me to YOU
The old mans face softened.
"Molly is good girl a very good girl, .
he said, stroking his chiu with thoughtful
air, s'and she deserves good husband.
What can you do:'
The young man looked rather blank at
this abrupt inquiry.
If you refer to my abilities to support a
wife, | can assure YOU"
II know that you are rich man, Luke
Jordan, but take it for granted that you
ask my girl to marry you, not your property.
What guarantee can you give me; IN case 1t
should be swept away. as it Is 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?-
What can you do!'
This was style of catechism for which
Luke was quite unprepared, and he stared
blankly at the questioner without speaking.
II believe you managed to get through
college-have you any professon;'
mo sir | thought"
'Have you any trader"
sNo sir; my father thought that with
the wealth l should inherit l should not
need any"
Your father thought like fool, then.
He'd much better have given you some
honest occupation and cut you off with a
shilling-it might have been the making up
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 asham-
ed of yourself. And you want to marry my
daughter"
"Now, have given Molly as good ad-
vantages for learning as any girl in town,
and she hasn't thrown EN- away; but il she
didn't know how to work, she'd be no daugh-
ter Of mine. If l choose, l could keep
lloI tLsll OAc SCi ' dil Uul oOl III AlAol z
than choose that my daughter should be a
pale spiritIess creature, full of dyspepsia,
aud all sorts of fine lady ailments, instead
of the smiling bright eyed, rosy checked lass
she is. I did say that she should not mar
ry lad that had been cursed by rich IA
ther; but she has taken foolish liking for
you, and III tell you what I'll do. Go to
work and prove yourself to be man per-
feet yourself in some occnpation-I don't
care what, if it is hone5t-then come to me,
and, if the girl is willing, she is yours"
AS the old man said this, he deliberate
y rose from the settle Of the porch and
went into the house.
Pretty Mary Bilkins was waiting to see
her lover down at the garden gate, their
usual trysting place. The smiling light IA
ded from her eyes as she noticed his sober,
discounted look.
"Father means well.' she said, as Luke
told her the result of his application. "And
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" 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 to the sur
prise of his gay associates. But wherever
he went, he carried with him those words
which were like a tower Of strength to his
soul: 'pll wait for You, Luke
One pleasant sunshiny morning, late in
October, as farmer Bilkins was propping up
/ q IN II: frop "a tth,.
ened to break down with the weight of its
luxurious burden, neat looking cart drove
up, from which Luke Jordan alighted with
a quick elastic step, quite in contrast with
his former easy, leisurely movements.
"Good morning, Mr.. Blkins, under
stood that you wanted to buy some butter
tubs and cider barrels. l think 1 have
some that will suit YOU"
"Whose make are they?" asked the old
man, as, opening the gate, he paused by the
wagon
mine" replied Luke, with an air Of par
donable pride.
Mr.. Bilkins examined them one by one.
"They1i do" he said, cody, as he set
down the last of the lot, "What will ye
take for them?"
"What l asked you for six months ago
to-day-your daughter, sir"
The roguish twinkle in the old mans eyes
broadened into smile.
"You've got the right metal in you, after
all" he cried. "Come in, lad-come in.
l shouldn't wonder if we made trade after
ALL"
Nothing 10th, Luke obeyed
"Molly!" brawled Mr.. Blinkins, thrust
ing his head into the kitchen door.
Molly tripped out into the entry. The
round white arms were barred above the ell
bows and bore traces of the -four she had
been sitting. Her dress was neat ging-
ham, over which was tied blue checked
apron but she looked as lovely Us she al
ways did wherever she was found.
She blushed and smiled as she saw Luke.
and then, turning her eyes upon her father,
waited dutlfully to hear what he had to say.
The old man regarded his daughter for a
moment with a quizzical look.
"Moll, this young man-mayhap you've
seen him before-has brought me lot of
tubs aud barrels, all Of his own make-a
right good article, too. He asks a pretty
steep price for EN-, but if YOU are willino to