The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-03-08
CHOOSING A WIFE.

"Godfrey, old boy" said Henry Clay
ton as he tilted back bis chair and put
his feet upon the mantel-piece, "when is
the wedding to be1"
"Whose wedding?"
"Miss Laura Somers, or Jenny, vhich
is it3"
II do not know, I am sure"
SHOW don't be mysterious, Godfrey;
you know you are q most constant visi-
tor, and all our set are talking about
the match. Den pretend you have not
selected 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 q
large fortune, need not be over bashful.i
Cone, be ank-which is the favorite
sister ?"
"Well, frankly, then, Harry. / can not
tell you. l have visited the family for
several months, as you know, but can
not decide. Laura is certainly tile hand
soonest, with her flashing black eyes
and queenly manner, but Jenny seems,
although the youngest, to be the most
womanly and useful of the two. Yet I
cannot be sure of that. My entrance is
the signal for scordial welcome and
smiles; and, let me enter at what hour l
will, they are always well dressed aud
apparently disengaged. To be sure, /
always in the mornings, have to wait
some time before Laura is visible"
"Pop in unexpectedly, and notice the
internal economy"
"How can /? A card at the door will
put any lady on her guard, or even the
notice Of gentleman visitor"
"Go there In disguise-as washer
woman for instance" %
"Good! l wilt"
"Will you 60 there as washerwo;
man." cried Clayton.
"Not exactly; but I will obtain admit
tance TO mornings privacy"
SWELL, let me know the result"
Laura aud Jenny Somers we're the
only children of q widower; who, al
thoughin moderate circumstances, moved
in very fashionable society. At the pc
riod OF my short sketch ha was about to
supply the llmented Mrs. Somer's place,
after nesriy ten years mourning, and,
although q kind, -indulgent parent, had
no objection to his daughters' marriage,
aud, indeed, had told them so. Laura,
whose high spirit resented the probable
supremacy OF stepmother, had already
selected Godfrey Horton as her future
husband: and Jenny, who was younger
and gsntler 10 spirit, tried to conquer Q
carefully concealed preference for the
same purpose. All his attentions we're
ascribed by her to q brotherly regard,
though every act Of kindness or courtesy
touched her very heart. It was the
morning after large ball.and the sisters
were in the breakfast.room together.
Laura, her glossy black hair pushed neg
ligently of her face, with the rough tum-
bled braids Of last eveHing's elsbqrste
coiffure gathered loosely into comb.
wearing . soiled wrapper, torn stock
ing., and presenting rather an alarming
contrast to the brilliant ballroom belle,
Was loungiug on q sofa. Jenny, in a
neat morDing-dress with large ging-
ham apron, little white collar, and hair
smoothly brushed into neat knot, was
washing the breakfast dishes.
"There is an old man at the door with
some artificial flowers, said the servant
opening the diniug-room door; evil
you see him ?"
"No,n said Jenny.
"Yes," cried Laura; "send him up."
The servant departed to obey the last
order. In few moments the old man
came in. He was poorly clad, with a
coarse blue cloak which was too large
for him. His hahn was white, and he
wore beard and moustache of the same
snow hue. Making q low bow, he placed
the large basket he carried on the table
and opened 1t.
II have bunch OF blue flowers here
he said, taking them from the basket,
"that will just suit your golden hair,
Miss" and be held them before Jenny.
"1t is my sister who wished to look at
your flowers" said Jenny quietly.
eyes, bring them here," was Laura's
imperious command.
The old mans eyes followed Jenny ,as
she washed, wiped and put away the
dishes. swept the room and busted it.
and then sat down bs Laura, who wat
still looking over the basket
"See, Jenny, this scarlet bunch. viii
It not be lovely with . few dark leaves &c
wear with my new silk :"
But" whispered Jenny, "you cam
afford it just now"
"Yes, can Father gave me some
money yesterday
ITO pay the last dry goods bill" SAID
Jenny.
"Well, I can have that carried to my
private account" -
aOh, Laura! hate to hear you tall
OF that private account. 1t seems q
like cheating father" 49,
# "Nonsense! It viii stand till / an
married, and then l can easily save
out of my housekeeping money"
II should not wish to marry 10 debt,
said Jenny
The old peddler looked earnestly Q
! the sisters. ase s.
"You had better take this blue bunch
Miss" he said to Jenny. ""If it ain
convenient to pay for it now, ] will cal
agatn."
: "No, / shall not take them"
"They are very becoming, Miss Loo
in the glass"
They were becoming, mixed with th
elossy, golden hair, and setting of Jen
ny's dazzling complexion
II wish my hair was light" said Lsu
ra. II should like to wear blue. God
frey Horton said last night that forget
me-nots we're his favorite flowers
Jenny colored, and placing the bunc
again in the basket, said: n
: "Come, Laura, decide. You are keep
. ing one waiting whose time, probably,
J valuable" Then passing chair, sh
: added: "Be seated, cir; you look tired.
II am tired. indeed" was the reply.
!, 81 will take the scarlet bunch, an
g these red csmelias, and this white clu.
; ter" said Laura
Il ssBut sister, you cannot afford It,"
~ A.. f..l