News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1882-10-05
The MARRIAGE PORTION.

There lived, about five or six mile
from Easton, Pennsylvania, few wear
since, an honest farmer named Hender
son, who had two very pretty daughters
Ellen and Maude. The first was abou
twenty-three years of age, while the lat
ter was but nineteen. The farmer was
thrifty, well-to-do man, though by n,
means rich; but the family lived in ex
cellent style, and the daughters had re
ceived good educations.
Both of these girls were pretty, bu
Maude was perhaps the handsomer
There was no lack of attentive youne
gentlemen at the farm, though tn,
neighborhood was not very thickly set
tied. But "beauty draws us with 6
single hair, and the young ladies were
the centre of gay little circle Of
friends.
By and by it came about that an ear
nest, handsome, and sturdy young farm
er fell desperately in love with Maude
and proposed to her. On her part she
loved Henry Masters above all the
young fellows she knew, and told him
frankly that he might speak to her
father. In the meantime she confided
the matter to her mother, a kind
hearted, sympathetic parent, who saw
no objection to the choice of her fair
daughter, but all was left with the
father to decide.
Henderson was a very straiehtfor
ward and open-mcuthed man. That is,
he said exactly what he meant, no
more or less, and that he uttered freely.
When Harry Masters called him on one
side and told his especial GRAND as to
Maude, the father said, We'll, MIR.
Masters, Maude is young. I wanted
Ellen to be married first; she's Oldest.
and [ have got marriage portion of
$1,000 to give her; but haven't laid by
anything yet for Maude."
" have got pretty well beforehand,
MIR. Henderson, for man but twenty
four years old, and we shall be able to
do very well, 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
so, because it shows your honest
affection, Mr.. Masters, but 1 am too
proud to let Maude marry until can
give her a thousand or two toward
housekeeping"
cit Is not worth waiting for, sir, as
long as we really don't need it and both
are content"
''Then, again, I'd rather Maude
wouldn't marry until her sister is mar
ried, because she's so much Older, do
you see, it will actually make her an old
maid. 1t isn't fair, MIR. Masters"
"Ellen is very popular with the gen.
tlemen, 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 a
marriage portion for Maude."
81 trust that is the only objection,
Mr.. Henderson ?" said Harry Masters.
''Why, yes: Won are a promising and
respectable young man and come of a
good family" said the farmer; ''but
can't let Maude go until have got to-
gether a respectable marriage portion to
give with her hand"
Perhaps you viii think more favor
ably about it, said the lover. "In
speak with you again."
f'AIl right, Mr.. Masters"
Harry and Maude were very fond of
each other, and now talked over the
matter very seriously. Maude could
not blame her father and didnot herself
like the idea of going to Harry without
a proper portion to contribute toward
3D. sS---f z--f----,-t1 4. szO1I1sGfc life.
"Never mind. Harry" said the hand
some young girl; "Ellen will soon be
married. I have pretty good reason for
knowing"
"Ah, but then your father says he
wants time to pick up marriage por-
ton for you, and that will take three or
four years, perhaps"
'That is a good while, is it not,
Harry p said Maude, just blushing a
little, for fear it sounded forward and
bold.
''It's agesP' said the young fellow.
''Think of waiting three years-Why, we
shall be old folks by that timer.
''Not quite as bad as that" said
Maude.
'1'm sure my hair will be gray by that
timer
Nonsense, Harry Now you are
joking"
was never more in earnest in my |
life, said he, as he stole a kiss from
her pretty lips, and ran away, so as not
to hear her chide him for his boIdness.
" Maude," said her father, coming
into the house from the barn, &C. wish |
you would ride the sorreI mare into |
Easton and get this hundred-doIlar bill |
at the bank. The workmen |
have got done with the roofing Of the |
barn and l want TO pay them off to-
night"
Very well, father. Let John put
the side saddle on and will be ready
in five minutes.
The sorrel mare was brought up to
the door, and Maude wss soon on her
way at easy hand gallop toward Eas-