The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1878-04-09
MISCELLANY.
The Marriage Portion.

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There lived about five or six miles
from Eeston, Pa s, few years since, an
honest farmer named Henderson, who
had two very pretty daughters, Ellen and
Maude. The first was about twenty-sev-
en- years ofage, while the latter was nine
teen. The father was a thrifty, well to-
do man, and though by no means rich,
be always lived in elegant style, and the
daughters had received good educations
Both of these girls were pretty, but
Maude was perhaps the handsomer.
There was no lack of attentive young
gentlemen at the farm, though the neigh.
borhood was not very thickly settled
But "beauty draws us with a single hair"
and the young ladies were the center of Il
gay little circle of friends, mostly gentle
man, farmers sons in the immediate
neighborhood, snd some even from Eas-
ton.
By and by it come about that an earn
est handsome, sturdy young farmer fell
desperately in love with Maude and pro-
posed to her. On her part she loved
Harry Marsters above all the young
friends she knew, and told him frankly
that he might speak to her father. In
the meantime she confded the matter to
her mother, kink hearted, sympathetic
parent. who saw no objection to the
choice of her daughter, but all was left to
the father TO decide.
Farmer Henderson was straightfor-
ward and open mouthed man. That is,
be said exactly what he meant, no more
or less, and that he uttered freely. When
Harry Masters called him on one side,
and told his nsnecial errand as tn Maude.
the father said:
"W ell, Mr.. Marsters, Maude is young,
| wanted Ellen to be married first; she s
oldest, and have got a marriage portion
Of twelve hundred to give her; but |
haven't laid by anything yet for Maude. I"
IL have got pretty well beforehand,
iIr Henderson, for man but twenty
four years old, and we shall! be able to do
very well, l have no doubt
"You mean you'll take Maude without
any marriage portion p said the father
Eyes, sir, very gladly"
"Well. it's pleasant to hear you say so
because it shows your honest affections,
Mr. Marsters but m too proud, though
simple farmer, to let Maude marry till
can give her thousand or two towards
housekeeping
at is not worth waiting for, sir, as
long aa we don't really need it, and both
are content ... ..l...-.
"Then, again, I'd rather Maud 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, Mr.. Masters
"Ellen is very popular with the gentle
men, and will soon be married" said the
other.
That's just what have said 10 my
self, and then shall begin to pick up 9
marriage portion for Maude."
IL trust that is the only only objection
Mr. Henderson p said Harry Marsters.
"Why, yes, you are a. respectable and
promising young man, and come of a
good lonily," said the farmer; "but
can't let Maude 60 until l get respecta
BILE marriage portion to give with her
hand"
"Perhops you will think more favora
bly, about it, said the lover. ON speak
with you again"
Harry and Maude 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 the
idea of going to Harry without proper
portion to contribute to their joint part
nership in domestic life.
| IN ,,.,l hn nd
some young girl, ELLEN will soon b'
married. l have pretty good reason fol
knowing
All, but then your father says he wants
time to pick up marriage portion fol
you, and that will take three or foul
years, perhaps"
THAT is good while, is it not, Harry
said Maude, just blushing little for feal
it sounded forward and bold
"It's agesv' said the young fellow
"Think of waiting three years-why We
shall be old folks by that time"
"Not quite so bad as that" said Mande
I'm sure my hair will be gray by tina
time !"
Nonsense, Harry! Now you are jok
ing"
II was never more in earnest in M
life" said he, as he stole kiss from he
pretty lips, and ran away, so as not t.
hear her chde him for his boldness.
"Maude,' said her father: coming int
the house from the barn, Il wish yo'
womb ride the sorrel mare to Easton
and oct this hundred dollar bill change
lat the hank. The workmen have go
done with The roofing Of the barn, and
want to pay then OFF tonight"
VERY we'll. fat. er, let John put til
side saddle on, and / II be ready in fv
minutes"
Tie snrrel mare WAS hrt, ught up to th