South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1878-03-01
THE MARRIAGE PORTION
FOUNDED ON FACT.

hoheSs FARMER nameQ Henderson. who
had two very pretty daughters, Ellen,
and Maude. The first was about twenty
three years of age. while the latter was
nineteen. The farmer was thrifty,
weli-todo man, though by no means
rich; but the family lived in excellent
style, aud 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 q single hair
and the young ladies were the centre OF
gay little circle of friends, mostly
young gentlemen orfarmcrs' sons in the
immediate neghborhood, and some ev-
en- from Easton..
By-and-by il came about that an ear
nest, handsome & sturdy young farmer
fell desperately in love with Maudc, and
proposed to her. On her part she low
ed Harry Masters above all the young
fellows she knew, and she told him frank.
ly that he might speak TO her father IN
the meantime she coniiled the matter
to her mother, kind hearted, sympa~
thetic 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 or less, and that he uttered freely.
When Harry Masters called him TO one
side and told his especial errand. "a to
Maude the father said Well, Mr. Mas.
ters. Maude is young. 1 wanted Ellen
to be married first, she's Oldest, and |
have got marriage portion of twelve
hundred dollars to give her hut Haven't
laid by anything yet for Maude.'
i have got pretty 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 yoa'll take Maude with-
ont any marriage portion?' said the far
mer
Yes, sir, very gladly
We'll, it's pleasant to hear you say
so, because it shows your honest alfec
ton, Mr.. Masters but / am too proud,
though simple farmer, to let Maude
marry till can gvie her a thousand or
two towards housekeeping
1t is not worth waiting for. sir, as
long rs we don't really need it, and both
are content
Then, again I'd rather Maude wouldn't
marry until her sister is married. be-
cause shes so much older, do you see,
!, it will actually make her an old maid
1t isn't fair, Mr.. Masters
Ellen is popular with the gentlemen,
and will soon be married. said the other
That's just what I've said myself, and
then shall begin ~ pic! up marriage
potion for Maude.'
, Il trust that is the only objection, Mr..
; Henderson," said Harry Masters.
Why, yes, you are q promising and
respectable young man, and come of a
: good family said the farmer; but
: can't let Maude go until have got to-
: gether respectable marriage portion to
give with her hand
, Perhaps you will think more favora-
, bly, about it, said the lover. i will
speak with you again
, 'All right, Mr.. Masters
Harry & Maude were very fond Of each
other, Il now talked over the matter very
! seriously. Maude could not blame her
father, and did not like herself the idea
= of going to Harry without proper pors
ton TO contribute toward their Joint
partnership in domestic life.
Never mind, Harry said the hand .
some young girl; Ellen will soon be
: married, | haze pretty good re asons for
, knowing
'Ah, but then your father says he
, wants time to pick up marriage por-
ton for you, and that will take three or
T four years perhaps.
That is good while is il not, Harry
said Maude, just biushing a little for
fear that is sounded forward and bold.
= It's ages I! said the young fellow
. Think Of waiting three years--why we
shall he old folks by that time =
Not quite so bad as that said Maude.
? I'm sure my hair Will be gray by that
/ time
Nonsense, Harry! Now You are joIS-
: ing
4 was never more in earnest Ia my
! life said he, as he stole a kiss from her
pretty lips, and ran away, so rs not 90
hear her chide him for his bodnoss.
'Mauie, said her father coming in
TO the house from tho barn. i wish you
would ride the sorrcl mare TO Easton
and get this 800 bill changed az the
bank The workmen have got done
, with the roofing Of the barn, and / want
TO pay them or tonight
Very well, father. Let John put the
side-saddlo on, and will be ready in
five minutes
The sorrel mare was brought up 90
tbe door, and Maude was soon on her
way, at an easy hand .gallop toward Eas-
ton. She had an excellent scat and was
a good hCrse-wOman. As she knew
this we'll she would not have objected
10 have Harry sec her just now. but he
had gone few moments before in an
opposite direction.
When NIaude got into East0n sho
rode directly 10 the bank, but was un.
fortunate enough 20 find il was already