The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1878-01-12
Select Storp.
POUNDED on PACT.

EOlNDED ON EACl-
There lived, about five or six miles from
Eastou, Pa, few years since, an honest
farmer named Henderson, who had two
very pretty daughters, Ellen aud AIaude
The first was about twenty-three years of
age, while the latter was nineteen. The
farmer was thrifty, well-to-do man though
by no means rich; but the family lived
in excellent style, and the daughters had
received good educations.
Both Of these girls were pretty, but
Maudc was perhaps the handsomer There
was no lack Of attentive young gentlemen
at the farm, though the neighborhood was
not very thickly settled But beauty
draws US with single hair, and the young
ladies were the centre of gay little circle
of friends, mostly young gentlemen or far
mers sons in the immediate neighborhood,
and some even from Easton.
By-and-by il came about that an ear
snest, handsome and sturdy young farmer
fell desperately in love with Maude, and
proposed to her. On her part she loved
Harry Masters above all the young fellows
she knew, and she told him frankly that
he might speak to her father. In the
meantime she confded the matter to her
mother, a kindhearted, sympathetic parent,
who saw no objections to the choice of her
daughter, but all was left to the father to
decide.
Farmer Henderson was very straight
forward and open-mouthed man. That
is, he said exactly what he meant, no more
sor less, and that he uttered freely. When
Harry Masters called him to one side and
told his especial errand, as to Maude, the
father said " Well, Mr. Masters, Maude
is young. wanted Ellen to be married
first; she's Oldest, and have got mar
riage portion Of twelve hundred dollars to
give her; but / haven't laid by anything
yet for Maude.p
" have otpretty well beforehand, Mr..
Henderson, for man but twenty-four
years old, and we shall be able to do very
well, have no doubt"
You mean you'll take Maude without
any marriage portion ?" said the farmer.
" Yes, sir, very gladly"
Well, it's pleasant to hear you say so,
because it shows your honest affection, Mr..
Masters but am too proud, though a
simple farmer, to let Maude marry Till |
can give her a thousand or two toward
housekeeping"
" 1t is not worth waiting for, sir, as long
as we don't really need it, and both are
content.
Then, again, I'd rather Maude wouldn't
marry until her sister is married, because
she's so much older, do you see, it will
actually make her an old maid 1t isn't
fair, Dir. Masters
Ellen is very popular with the gentle
men, and viii soon be married" said the
other.
That's just what I've said myself, and
then shall begin to pick up a marriage
portion for Maude."
l trust that is the only objection, Mr.
Henderson 2" said Harry Masters.
Why, yes, you arc promising and re-
spectacle young man, and come of good
family" said the farmer but l can't let
Maude go until have got together a re-
spectacle marriage portion to give with
her hand"
Perhaps you will think more favorably
about it, said the lover "I'll speak with
you again"
All right, Mr.. Masters"
Harry and Maudc were very fond of
each other, and now talked over the mat
ter very seriously. Maude could not blame
her father, and did not like herself the idea
of going TO Harry without proper portion
to contribute toward their joint partner
ship in domestic life.
Never mind, Harry, said the hand
some young girl; "Ellen will soon be mar
ried. | have pretty good reason for know
ing"
All, but then your father says he
wants time to pick up marriage portion
for you, and that win take three or four
years, perhaps"
That is good while, is it not, Har-
ry?" said Maude, just blushing little, for
fear that it sounded forward and bold.
It's ages p said the young fellow
Think of waiting three years-why we
shall be old folks by that time y
Not quite so bad as that, said Maude.
I'm sure my hair viii be gray by that
time"
"Nonsensc, Harry Now you are jOk-
ing"
g | was never more in earnest in my
life, said he, as he stole kiss from her
pretty lips, and ran away, so as not to hear
her chide him for his boldness.
Maude," said her father, coming into
the house from the barn, Il wish you would
ride the sorrel mare to Easton and get this
500 bill changed at the bank. The work
men have got done with the roofing of
the barn, and want to ply them off to-
night
Very well, father. Let John put the
side-saddle on, and | will be ready in five
minutes"
The sorrel mare vas brought up to the
door, and Maudc was soon on her way, at
an easy hand -gallop towards Easton. She
had an excellent seat, aud was a good
horsewoman. AS she knew this well, she
would not have objected to have Harry see
her just now, but he had gone few mo-
ments before in an opposite direction.
When Maude got into Easton she rode
directly to the bank, but was unfortunate
enough to find it was already closed. Af-
ter few moments thought she resolved
to try and get the note changed at the