Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1882-12-13
THE MARRIAGE PORTION.

There lived about five or six miles
from Easton, Pa, few years since, an
honest farmer named Henderson, who
had two very pretty daughters-Ellen
and Maude. The first was about 30 years
of age, while the 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 a good educa-
ton.
Both of these girls were pretty, but
Maude was perhaps the handsomer.
There was no lack of attentive young
gentlemen at the farm, though the
neighborhood was not very thickly set
tled but beauties draw us with a sin
gle hair, and the young ladies were the
center of gay little circle of friends.
By and by it came about that an earn
est, handsome and sturdy young farmer
fell desperately IN love with Maude, and
proposed to her. On her part she loved
Harry Masters above all the young men
she knew, and told him frankly that he
might speak to her father. In the mean
time she confded 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 straightforward
and open 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 bis
especial errand as to Maude, the father
said: "WeIl, Mr.. Masters, Maude is
young. I wanted Ellen to be married
first; she's the Oldest, and I've got a
marriage portion Of 81, 200 to give her:
but l haven't laid by anything yet fol
Maude."
e have got pretty well beforehand,
Mr.. Henderson, for man but "a years
old, and we shall be able to do very well,
I have no doubt"
You mean you'll take Maude with.
out any marriage portion?" said the
father.
''Yes, sir, very gladly"
Well, it's pleasant to hear you say
50, because it shows your honest affec
ton, Nh. Masters; but I am too PROUD
to let Maude marry until I can give hel
thousand or two toward housekeep
ing"
1T is not worth waiting for, sir, as
long as we don't need it, and both are
content"
F'Then, again, I'd rather Maude
wouldn't marry until her sister Is mar
ried, because she is so much older-de
you see 1t will actually make her al
old maid. Itisn't fair, Mr.. Masters"
Ellen is very popular with the gen
5lemen, and will soon be married." SAID
the other.
$ That's just what have said to my
self, and then I shall begin to pick up &
marriage portion for Maude.
81 trust that is the only objection
BIr. Henderson p said Henry Masters
Why, yes; you are promising and
respectable young man, and come of 6
good family" said the farmer; "but ]
can't let Maude go until have got to-
gether a respectable marriage portion tc
give with her hand"
Perhaps you will think more favor.
ably Of it, said the lover. "Pn speak
with you again.
cali right, Mr.. Masters"
Harry and Maude were very fond Of
each other, and now talked over the
matter very seriously. Maude could no
blame her father, and did not herself
like the idea of going to Harry without
q proper portion TO contribute toward
their JOINT partnership in domestic life
Never mind, Harry, said the hand