Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-05-18
PAPA DORLAN'S DECISION.

wen Oh 10 marry now, as to@ Wall nalI u
dozen years.
Old Mr. Dorian turned the letter over in
his hand, and looked at the pretty blonde
in the easy chair opposite. 1t would be
hard to give her up, but with either OF
these two men he felt that she would be
happy.
West Harley wrote:
MIR, DORIAN For many months |
have felt deep interest in your daughter,
and am bold enough to hope that my atfec-
ton is in degree returned. L am not
rich man, but | have a fair business and
strength and energy, and my wife would
have a certainty of the love and respect of
an honest man. With your permission,
| will be pleased to call upon her.
Respectfully yours, WEST HARLEY. "
Clarence Hillsdale wrote:
DEAR SIR Il am deeply and sincerely
in love with your daughter. | propose to
make her my wife, with your consent. Ny
name, position and means are well known
TO you. | await your reply.
Yours, CLARENCE HILLSDALE.
The first was faithful counterpart OF
himself in his younger days. There were
few improvements, such as little better
prospect, few more dollars than he pos
sessed at twenty-five, but the principle, the
straightforward honesty and strength Of
purpose were there.
The other was the very man he had in
his mind for months. Everybody knew the
sohdity and worth of the great banking
house of the Hillsdale Brothers. All knew
Clarence, the younger. to be thorough
man OF business and gentleman He drove
his handsome bays with grace and ease, but
never with recklessnesS. lie gave supper
now and then, when champagne aud Made
ria flowed like water; but he went to his
chamber with clear eye and steady hand.
Men found him always at his post, with his
fair face flushed with health, and not a
trace of dissipation wrinkled single fea-
ture. =
1t was hard to choose between them
Perhaps Ruth could choose. So he spoke !:
Ruthie, come here. -
She came with her well bred, graceful
step, and leaned over his chair.
well, Papa? p
Read these"
He gave her the letters and she read them
over carefully. A blush stcle-up, mantling
brow and cheek when she concluded West
Harley's letter, and at the end of Hills
dale 5 delighted exclamation escaped her.
" ou caunot marry both. Which shall
it be ?"
Papa, don't know | used to really
love neSt, until Clarence came; but row
well Clarence is rich and stylish, ard yet,
West-good and true. You shall decide
And you will abide 10y my decision?'
with all my heart. papa"
Ruth went back to her easy chair, and
gave the matter entirely TO papa 5 superior
judgment, and he, with quite as much, if
not degree or so more anxiety than he had
felt at his own matrimonial settling, sat
back and reflected
Honesty and truth were jewels seldom
found, but with money and power on the
other side Of the scale, he was afraid they
wouid sink into nothingness.
well, | will wait Some way [ shall
receive the truth of the matter, and know
into whose hands to place he happiness of
my little Ruth.
DO you know young Harley p he asked
a neighbor.
Yes. Bless you. who don't? He is
one of our solid young men.
do you know Hilisdale?"
go, yes. He's another. One of the
best fellows in the city. -
So there 1t was. Both were perfection
Ruth liked both and 30 did ne. He could
not choose between them.
These letters arrived on the second OF De
cember On the fourth each gentleman re-
ceiyed brlef note from Mr. Dorian, with a
few pleasant but unsatisfactory lines. lie
would consider, he said, and give his answer
if they would wait with patience.
On the oath there was fair at the church.
1t was magnificent: from its foundation, and
its object was to decorate with greater
splendor the already splendid edlhce-
Fair young girls with confectionery at ten
dollars per bite, and dainty useless knick-
knacks priced al five times their real value,
besieged every visitor, and he was hard
hearted creature who could resist the touch
of the white hands, and pleading glances
/ from soft eyes, and sweet entreatles OF do
buy this you know you need 1t. Please
do.
Mr.. Dorian was there, and his little Ruth
the proprietor of table we'll filed with
worsted nonsense, silkcn cushions. bead
work, smoking caps and slippers, and many
! close listed fellow laid bill upon her ta-
| BILE and carried away trinket, as though he
had got double his money worth.
Clarence Hillsdale was there, and so was
West Harley, and papa Dorian whispered
/ "Ruthie, you II never have a better op
portunity to study these lovers of yours. y
And Ruth studied.
| They did not stay away moment longer
I than etiquette demanded. As soon as they
| could frame an excuse, they sauntered to-
ward her table OF course they were not
/ Jealous, for each others motives were un
| known. and met as well-bred men do, anC
4 after salutations to Ruth, fell into an easy
| conversation.
These are pretty articles, said Charlie
! taking up pair of the velvet slippers
| Did you make them, Miss Dorian 2"
Yes. L have but these two pair left
won't you take pair? They mustbe exact
/ ly your size.
Yes, | believe they are. What do yot
| expect in return 2'i
my price you see, is ten dollars; but ii
case like this, we trust more to the gener
osity of the purchaser.
! She said this with charming smile, ant
| he placed little roll of bills in her hand.
''You will take the remaining pair, vii
you not, Mr. Harley p She asked, whil
doing up the bundle.
Yes !" and West Harley rendered hi:
offering.
Some one else came up just then, ant
they turned away, leaving Ruth for mo
ment with her father.
80, papa y
''What is it p
'sSee what a generous soul Clarence Hills
dale has. Five hundred dollars for a pai
| of SIiDparS' And West-O how mean