San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1882-12-14
THE MARRIAGE PORTION.
How a villain Overreached Himself.

from EaSJOuJ Iu', 10" ySA
AN honest farmer named Henderson,
who had two very pretty daugh ters-
Ellen and Maud. The first was about
20 years of age, while thej latter. was
barely 10. The farmer was a thrifty,
well-to- do man, though by no means
rich; but the family lived in excellent
style, and the daughters had received
q good education.
Both of these girls were pretty, but
Maud was perhaps the handsomer.
There was no lack of attentive young
gentlemen at the farm, though the
neighborhood was not very thickly
settled; but beauty draws on us
with a single hair" and the young
ladies were the centre of gay little
circle of friends.
BY and by it came about that an
earnest, handsome and sturdy young
farmer fell desperately in love with
Maud, and proposed to her. On her
part she loved Harry Masters above
all the young fellows she knew, and
told him frankly that he might speak
to her father. In the mean time she
confided the matter to her mother-a
kind-hearted, sympathetic parent
who saw no objection to the choice
of her daughter; but all was left for
her father to decide.
Henderson was very straightfor-
ward and -mouthed man-that
is, he said exactly what he meant, no
more nor less, and that he uttered
freely. When Harry Masters called
him one side and told his especial
errand as to Maud, the father said:
well, Mr.. Masters, Maud is young.
1 wanted Ellen to be married first;
she's the Oldest, and have got a
marriage portion of $1,000 to give
her; but l haven't laid by anything
yet for Maud.
81 have got pretty well beforehand,
Mr.. Henderson, for a man but "a
years old, and we shall be able to do
very well, l have no doubt"
you mean you Il take Maude with
out any marriage portion?" said the
father.
"Yes, sir, very gladly"
well, it's pleasant to hear you
say so, because it shows your honest
affection, Mr.. Masters; but I am too
proud to let Maud marry until l can
give her thousand or two toward
housekeeping"
1T is not worth waiting for, sir, as
long as we really don't need it and
both are content"
"Then sagain, I'd rather Maude
wouldn't marry until her sister is
married, because she isso much older
do you see? 1t will actually make
her an old, maid. 1t isn't fair, Mr..
Masters.
Ellen is very popular with the
gentlemen and will soon be married, "
said the other.
THAT'S just what 1 have said to
myself, and then l shall begin to
pick up a marriage portion for
Maude.
Il trust that is the only objection,
Mr.. Henderson," said Harry Masters.
why, yes; you are promising
and respectable young man, and
come of good family said the
farmer: but l can't let Maud go I'M
til hay got together a respectable
marriage portion to give with her
hand.
Perhaps you will think, more
favorably about it, said the lover.
I'll speak with You again.
All right, Mr.. Masters.
Harry and Maud We're very foud of
each other, and now talked over the
matter very seriously. Maud could
not blame her father, and did not
herself like the idea Of going to
Harry without a proper portion to
contribute toward their joint partner
ship il domestic life.
Never mind, Harry" said the
handsome young girl, Ellen will
soon be married. | have pretty good
reasons for knowing.
All. but then your father says he
wants time to pick up marriage
portion for YOU, and that will take
three OF four wears, perhaps.
That is good while, IS It not,
Harry said Msude. Just blushing a
little, for fear it sounded forward and
bold.