The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1874-12-10
THE JUNIPER GIRLS.
81 any RANDOLPH.

'sNow, which of Us is to go % said
Janet Juniper.
The scene OF the family council was
the roomy kitchen CT a great old-fash-
toned farmhouse, which had seen its
best days so long ago that the memory
of the oldest inhabitant could no longer
recall them. Mr.. Juniper, a white
haired man, bowed down with prema-
ture old age, sat in his big chair, half
asleep over a newspaper. Lois, the
s.hired help" sat Oh the corner Of the
table, a half-scoured tin-pan in her
hands and plaid cotton handkerchief
twisted turban-wise around her head.
And Josephine and Janet, the two
daughters Of the household, stood con-
fronting one another with an open letter
IN their hands.
Josephine was an auburn-dressed
blonde, with the radiant complexion
that generally accords with. hazel eye,
reddish hair, and few curious freckles
at midsummer. Janet was small and
dark and dainty, like a tropical jewel,
with perfect hands and feet, and 1.-THE,
And Aunt Chelford had graciously writ
ten to the girls, from her New York
home, inviting one Of them to accom-
pany her to Saratoga for the season.
But only one!
''Saratoga?'' commented Lois, who
considered herself quito equal to the
Presidents lady, if not somewhat super
ior, on the question OF her breakfast
cakes ''Why, you'll make your fortune
there. Pretty gals always does in the
newspaper stories. You'll come home
engaged, as sure as fate"
Josephine and Janet laughed little
consciously, and glanced roguishly at
one another. Not but that they both
had their dreams of matrimonial success.
What pretty girl has not?''
''Wouid you like to go, Josey % said
little dark Janet.
''Would you, Jenny?" cross-question-
ed the radiant blonde
Lets draw lots" said Janet.
''Agreed," said Josephine.
So Lois cut the lengths of paper from
the wrappings which had come around
the last pound of soda crackers, and
Josephine drew the prize.
''Oh, I'm SO glad, Josey" said Janet,
swallowing the lump in her throat with
the least bit of an effort. because you'll
have such a good time-and you are the
prettiest-and you'll make a sensation at
Saratoga; I'm sure you Will
81 won't go, Jenny. III stay at
home, and let you have the chance. I'm
a great coarse, red-headed thing, and
you're as pretty as pink" cried Jose
phine.
''That would be great idea," said
Janet, tossing her regal head. When
you've drawn the lot, and
''Hold your tongues, both of you, !"
said Lois, in her free and Independent
way. Gas If it made a pins difference
either way! Why, the one that makes
her fortune has only to come home and
let the other have chance
Now this was the way Of settling mat
tiers that had not, as yet, occurred to the
minds of Janet and Josephine.
That's true, Jenny" said the latter,
laughing. "When [ an engaged to the
wealthiest part, of the season, I'll come
back and let you have your innings
And upon this amicable understand
ing the subject dropped, and the sisters
turned their minds to the topic of gray
silk, rose-colored ribbons, Swiss muslin
and new slippers. an affai, by nomeans
so easily settled.
''You can have my new straw hat,
Josey," said the eldest sister. ''With a
little buff ribben and wheat, and Jet
arrow, it Will trim up quite stylishly,
and III contrive to make the old stone
colored straw do.
but you, Jenny2'
so, pshaw! I'm not going to Sara
toga.
'sGoing or not going" said Josephine,
bursting into tears that were not quite
of sorrow, and throwing her arms
around her sisters neck, you are the