The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1873-10-16
HOW GODFREY HORTON CHOOSE
HIS WIFE.
By MARY E. CLARKE.

rs lie tllteu UhcA his Cldifi duu put LIS
feet upon the mantel-piece, when is your
wedding to be
Whose wedding.
Miss Laura Somers or Jenny, which
is it2
| do not know, am sure
Now don't be mysterious, Godfrey;
you know you are most constant visitor
and all our set are talking about the
match. Don't pretend you have not Sc
lected one of the sisters
How do you know either of them will
have me?
Don't be absurd, old boy. You,
young, handsome, talented, and with a
large fortune. need not be oyerbashful
Come be frank, which is the favorite
sister?
Well. frankly, then, Henry, | cannot
tell you. | have visited the family for
several months, as you know, but | caD-
not decide. Laura is certainly the band
soonest, with her black eyes and queeDly
manners; but Jenny seems, although the
younger, to be the most useful Of the two.
Yet, cannot be sure of that. My en-
trance is the signal for cordial welcome
and smiles, and, let me call at what hour
| will, they are always well dressed and
apparently disengaged. To be sure, |
always in the morning have to wait some
time before Laura is visible.
Pop in unexpectedly and notice the in
ternal economy.
How can l? A card at the door will
put any lady on her guard. or even the
notice of a gentleman visitor.
Go there in disguise. As a washer
woman for instance.
Good | will
Go there as washer-wom cried
Clayton.
Not exactly, but l will obtain admit.
lance to mornings privacy.
Well let me know the result.
Laura and Jenny Somers were the
only children of widower, no, although
by moderate circumstances, moved In
fashionable society. At the period of
my short sketch, he was about to supply
the lamented Mrs. Somers' place, after
nearly one years mourning, and altho
kind. indulgent parent, had no objee-
ton to his daughters marriage, and il
deed, had told her so. Laura, VIII se
high spirit resented the probable supre-
macy of step-mother, had already Sc
lected Godfrey Horton as her future
husband; and Jenny. who was younger
and gentler in spirit, tried to conquer a
carefully concealed preference for the
same purpose All his attention were
ascribed. by her, to a brotherly regard
though every act of kindness or courtesy
touched her very heart.
1t was the morning after large bail,
and the sisters were in the breakfast
room together. Laura, her glossy black
hair pushed negligently off her face with
the rough tumbled braids of last even
ing's elaborate couture gathered loosely
into a comb; wearing soiled wrapper,
torn stockings, and presenting rather an
alarming contrast to the brilliant ball
room.belie, was lounging on sofa
Jenny, in neat morning dress, with
large gingham apron, little white collar,
and hair smoothly brushed into a neat
knot, washing the breakfas, dishes.
There is an old man at the door with
some artificial flowers. said the servant,
opening the dining room door, will you
see him?
No, said Jenny.
Yes, cried Laura, send him MP.
The servant departed to obey the last
order. In few moments the old man
came in. He was poorly clad, with a
coarse blue cloak, which was much too
large for him. His hair was white and
he wore a beard and moustache of the
same snowy hue. Making a low bow,
he placed the large basket he carried on
a table, and opened it. l have bunch
of blue flowers here, he said, taking
them from the basket, they will just suit
your golden hair, Miss, and be held them
before Jenny.
1t was my sister who wished to look at
your flowers, said Jenny quietly.
Yes, bring them here, was Laura's
imperious command. The old man
eyes followed Jenny, as she washed,
wiped. and Put away the dishes, swept |
the room and busted it, and then sat |
down beside Laura, who was still looking |
over the basket.
See, Jenny, this scarlet bunch Win |
It not be lovely with few dark leaves to
wear with my new silk p?
But. whispered Jenny, you can't af-
ford it just now.
Yes, l can. Father gave me some
money yesterday.
To pay the last dry goods bill.
Well, can have that carried to my
private account.
Oh Laura, / hate to hear you talk of
that private account. 1t seem so much
like cheating father.
Nonsense 1t will staud till [ am
married, and then can easily save it ont
of my housekeeping money.
| should not wish to marry in debt,
said Jenny.
The old peddlar looked at the sisters
You had better take this blue bunch,
Miss. he said to Jenny. Ifit amt con-
Yenient to pay foG it DOW / will call some
other time.
No, / shall pot take them.
They are very becoming Miss. Look
10 this glass
They were becoming, mixing with the
golden glossy hair, and setting off JeB-
ny's dazzling complexion.
| wish my hair was light, said Laura
I should like to wear blue. Godfrey
Horton said last night. that forget.me
nots we're his favorite flowers.