Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1878-09-09
Which Life was the
Better.

H-and Lucy C.. They were
neighbors' daughters and had been init
mate associates from childhood up. They
were accustomed to nearly the same
mode of life and had been educated in
the same district school. Both were in
telligent and well disposed nevertheless
they were widely different in their
tastes.
Mary loved the country; she loved
the associations of her farm home. The
labor connected with it instead of being
distasteful to her, was on the contrary
pleasant task. Spinning, much of which
was then performed in the home, was
her delight. She could knit pair of
stockings, make or mend her brothers
clothes, or work in the dairy, as the oc-
casion demanded. And though not by
any means neglectful of personal ap-
pearance, dress was not with her a
passion.
Lucy in these respects was quite the
reverse. She was fond of dress and
what she termed "style." Was sure she
could "never marry farmer and settle
down to the prosy existence of a farm
er's wife" AS she grew older her con-
tempt for the plain dressing, and plain
living, and plain ways of the country
people, increased more and more. Not
many miles away was thriving COM
mercial city. To this she turned with
longing eyes. In it were near relatives
whom she frequently visited, sometimes
prolonging her visits into weeks. Dur
ing these visits she had formed the ac-
quaintance of a young man of gentleman
ly manners, good principles, and of rep
uted excellent business that gave great
promise of future prosperity. This ac-
quaintance ripened into an attachment
that eventually led to marriage, and at
the opening of my story both girls were
making great preparations for their
coming nuptials.
Mary was to marry a young man of
her own neighborhood, a farmers son.
He already possessed some sixty acres of
partially cleared land that he was fit
ting for his future home. With limited
opportunities he had acquired sufficient
education to teach school, which he did
during the winter months, and in sum-
mer worked at farming. He was hon.
orable, upright, intelligent, and in ev-
cry respect desirable companion for
just such girl Mary H.
The girls frequently met and talked
over their plans together. Mary was
anxious to have everything prepared fol
housekeeping beforehand. She made
ready her table linen, pieced and quilted
quilts, spun with her own hands WOO
that was woven into sheets and blank
cts. and finally crowned her labor by
making one of those bright wool carpets
filed in with rags, that were so charac
teristic of thrifty house -wifery forty
years ago. Her wardrobe, though no
elegant, was neat, tasteful and we'll sup
piled.
Lucy looked upon all these prepare
tions as quite superfuous. She wa
sure she should not work in that way
she never had things. Then, too, s
much had been expended in clothing
her father felt unable to do more. Il
addition she confidently informed he
friend that "George says l am not t
get things ready for housekeeping. as b
is able to buy whatever we need. II
says shall not have to work hard, tina
we shall keep girl, that 1 am to b
nicely dressed. and have my time to G
about. You know, Mary, have alway
been so deprived of the advantages c
cultivated society. shall enjoy theI
0, so much.
Mary could not help thinking tn
future of her friend looked bright ir
deed. Still she did not envy her nc
wish to be in her place. She had mad
her choice, thought she had chosen i
wisdom, and was satisfied.
Finally the weddings came off. Bot
were considered grand events for tn;
quiet town. Lucy's was the first. I'll
best room at esquire G.'s" was newl
fitted up for the occasion. A prett
"boughton" carpet covered the foo
fancy candlesticks filled with the be
stearine candles adorned the mantle ar
shed and unusual brilliancy over Il
scene. The BRIDE looked lovely indee
; in her light silk, flowing veil, and o
ange blossoms-the latter accessori
being furnished by her city friends
small and very select company W
! present. and it was generally pronounc,
the most stylish wedding that had ev
,, occurred in those parts.
Mary's nuptials were celebrated
5 true county style. All the .relativ
and friends of both parties were invite
: A bountiful dinner was served, and as
. musician" was present, the floor W
e afterwards cleared and the young
t members of the company joined in tri
: ping the "light fantastic toe" until t
"wee smae" hours.