Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1881-02-12
Row Godfrey Horton
Chose His Wife.
BY NJ. e. CLARK e.

CLAYTON. as he tilted back his
chair, and put his feet upon the
mantlepiece. "when is the we'd
ding to be? q
"Whose wedding 90
"Miss Laura Somers, or Jenny,
which Is it?'
81 do not know, / am sure.'
Now don't be mysterious, God
frey; you know you are a most
constant visitor, and all 'our set
are talking about the match
DON'T pretend You have not Sc
lected one of the sisters.''
"How do you know either of
them will have me-
Don't be absurd, old boy
You, young handsome, talented,
and with a large fortune, need be
over bashful. Come, be frank
which ia the favorite sister ?"
"Well, frankly then, Henry, |
cannot tell you. l have visited
the family for several months, as
you know, but / cannot decide
Laura is certainly the hsndsomest,
with her flashing black eyes and
queenly manners but Jenny she
is, although the youngest, the
most womanly and useful of
the two. Yet, / cannot be sure of
that. My entrance is the signal
for cordial welcome and smiles I;
and, let me enter at what hour l
will, they are always well dressed,
and apparently disengaged. To
sure / always, in the morning,
have to wait sometime before Lau-
ra is visible"
"Pop in unexpectedly, and no.
lice the internal economy
Chow can /? A card at the
door will put any lady on her
guard, or even the notice Of a gen.
tleman visitor"
$50 there in disguise-as a
washer woman, for instance"
"Good! / will ~
"Will you 60 there as washer
woman?' cried Clayton.
"Not exactly; but l will obtain
admittance to mornings priva-
cy."
"Well, let me know the result"
Laura and fanny Somers were
the only children ola widOwer ;
who, although in moderate cir
cumssances, moved in very fash
ionable society. At the period OF
my short sketch, he was about to
supply the lamented Mrs. Somsrs'
place, after nearly ten years
mourning, and, although a kind,
indulgent, parent had no objection
TO his daughters marriage, and in.
deed, had told them so. Laura
whose high spirit resented the
probable supremacy of step
mother, had already selected God
frey Horton as her future hus-
band; and Jenny, who was
younger and gentler in spirit, tried
to conquer a carefully concealed
preference for the same purpose
All his attentions were ascribed by
her, to a brotherly regard, though
every act of kindness or courtesy
touched her very heart.
1t was morning after large
ball, and the sisters were in the
breakfast room together. Laura,
her glossy black hair pushed, neg
ligently off her face, with the
rough tumble braids of last even
ing's elaborate couture gathered
loosely into comb, wearing q
soiled wrapper, torn stockings
and presenting rather an alarming
contrast TO the brilliant ballroom
belle, was lounging on sofa. Jen'
nv, in a neat morning dress, with
a large Bingham apron. little
white collar. and hair smoothly
brushed into neat knot, was
washing the break fast dishes.
There is an old man at the
door with some artificial flowers,
said the servant, opening the din.
ing room door; will you see
him ?"
NO said Jenny
Yes cried Laura "send him
up"
III few moments the old man
came in. He was poorly clad, with
q coarse blue cloak, which wa:
much too large for him. His hail
was white aud he wore a beard
and mustsche of the same snow
hue. Making a low bow, he pisc
ed the large basket he carried on
table and opened it.
Il have a bunch Of blue flowers
here" he said, taking them from
the basket, that will just sui
your golden hair, Miss and he
held them before Jenny.
at is my sister who wished tt
look at your flowers said Jenny
quietly.
Eyes, bring them here" was
Laura's imperious command.
4 he old mans eyes followed
Jenny. as she washed, wiped, anc
put away the dishes, swept thu