The Baltimore County union., 1881-01-08

you know you are most constant visitor,
and all 'our set are talking about the
match. Don't pretend you have not
selected one Of the sisters"
Chow 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 is the favorite
sister 2"
"Well, frankly then, Henry, cannot
tell you. have visited the family for
several months, as you know, but can
not decide. Laura is certainly the hand
soonest, with her flashing black eyes and
quecnly manner /; but Jenny seems, al
though the youngest, TO be the most
womanly and useful of the two. Yet,
cannot be sure of that. My entrance
is the signal for cordial welcome and
smiles and, let me enter at what hour
| will, they are always well dressed, and
apparently disengaged. To be sure
always, in the morning, have to wait
some time before Laura is visible"
"Pop in Unexpectedly, and notice :he
internal economy"
elbow can II A card at the door will
put any lady on her guard, or even the
notice of gentleman visitor" "
"Go there in disguisc-as 4 washer.
woman, for instance"
"Good !! l will !"
"Will you go there as washerwo-
man ?" cried Clayton.
"Not exactly but | will obtain ad-
mit,ance to mornings privacy"
"Well, let me know the result"
Laura and Jenny Somers were the only
children Of widower; who, although
in moderate circumstances, moved in
very fashionable society. At the period
Of my short sketch, he was about to sup
ply the lamented Mrs. Somers' place,
after nearly ten years mourning, and,
although kind, indulgent parent, had
no objection to his daughters marriage,
and, indeed, had told them so. Laura,
whose high spirit resented the probable
supremacy of step-mother, had already
selected Godfrey Horton as her future
husband and Jenny, who was younger
and gentler in spirit, tried to conquer n
carefully concealed preference for the
same purpose. All his attentions were
ascribed, by her, to brotherly regard,
though every act OF kindness or courtesy
touched her very heart.
1t was the morning after large ball,
and the sisters were in the breakfast
room together. Laura, her glossy black
hair pushed negligcn,ly off her face,
with the rough tumbled braids of last
evenings elaborate coiifure gathered
loosely into 4 comb, wearing soiled
wrapper, torn stockings, and presenting
rather an alarming contrast to the bril-
liant ballroom belle, was lounging on
sofa. Jenny, ina neat morning dress,
with large gingham apron, little white
collar, and hair smoothly brushed into
neat knot, was washing the breakfas,
dishes.
"rhere is an old man at the door with
some artificial flowers" said the servant,
opening the dinning room door ; twill
you see him"
"No," said Jenny.
eyes" cried Laura; "send him up. p"
The servant departed to obey the last
order.
In few moments the old man came
in. He was poorly clad, with coarse
blue cloak, which was much too large
for him. His hair was white, and he
wore 4 beard and moustachc of the same
snow hue. Making a low bow, he
placed the large basket he carried on
table, and opened it.
al have bunch of blue flowers here, ="
he said, taking them from the basket,
''that will just suit your golden hair,
Miss" and he held them before Jenny.
alt is my sister who wished to look
at your flowers" said Jenny, quietly.
ayes, bring them here" was Laura's
impcrious 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 beside Laura, who
was still looking over the basket.
"Sec, Jenny, thisscarlet bunch. Will
/, not be lovely with few dark leaves
to wear with my new silk 2"
"But," whispered Jenny, "you can't
afford it just now"
ayes, / can. Father gave me some
money yesterday"
"To pay the last dry goods BILL" said
Jenny.
"well, can have that carried to my
| priyate account"
"Oh, Laura l hate to hear you talk
OF that private account. 1t seems so
much like cheating father"
"Nonsense II will stand till am
married, and then can easily save it
out of my housekeeping money"
al should not wish to marry in debt, i"
said Jenny.
The old pcddler looked earnestly at
the sisters.
"You had better take this blue bunch,
Miss" he said to Jenny. "1f it amt
convenient to pay for it now, ! will call
again."
mo, / shall not take them."
"They are very becoming, Miss. Look
in this glass"
They were becoming, mixing with
the glossy, golden hair, and setting of
Jenny's dazzling complexion. =,
al wish my hair was light" said
Laura. "I should like to wear blue
Godfrey Horton said last night, that
forget.me-nots were his favorite flow