Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-06-22
HOW GODFREY HORTON CHOSE A
WIFE.

Godfrey, old boy, said Henry Clay
ton, as he tilted back in his chair anC
put his feet upon the mantle-piece,
"when is the wedding to bep'
Whose weddlng2'
"Mlss Laura Somers, or Jenny
which is it?"
'I do not know, lam sure.
''Now don't be mysterious, Godfrey;
you know you are most constant visi
tor, and all our set are talking about
the match. Don't pretend you have not
selected one of the sisters
'sHow 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 not be overbashful.
Come be frank-which is the favorite
sister ?'
"Well, frankly, then, Henry, I can
not tell you. have visited the family
for several months, as you know, but l
cannot decide. Laura is certainly the
handsomest, with her flashing black
eye aud queenly manner, but Jennie
seems, although the youngest, to be the
most womanly and useful of the two.
Yet l cannot be sure of that. My en-
trance is the signal for cordial welcome
and smiles: and, let me enter at what
hour [ will, they are always we'll dress
ed and apparently disengaged. To be
sure, I always in the mornings, have to
wait some time before Laura is visl-
ble."
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 disgu ise-as a washer
woman, for Instance"
"Goodl I will!'
"Will you go there as a washerwo-
man?" cried Clayton.
Not exactly; but will obtain ad-
mittance to a NOR ning's privacy"
"Well, let me know the result"
Laura and Jenny Somers were the
only children of a widower; who, al
though in moderate circumstances,
moved in very fashionable society. AT
the period of my short sketch he was
about to supply the lamented Mrs.
Somers' place, after nearly ten years
mourning, and although kind, indtII-
gent parent, had no objection to his
daughters marriage, and indeed, had
told thom so. Laura, whose high spirit
resented the probable supremacy of a
stepmother, had already selected God
frey Horton as her future husband;
and Jenny, who was younger and gent.
Ter in spirit. tried to conquer carefully
concealed preference for the same per-
son. 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 Sis
ters were in the breakfast-room togeth-
er. Laura, her glossy black hair push
ed negligcntly off her face, with the
rough tumbled braids of last evenings 8
elaborate coifure gathered loosely into a
comb, wearing soiled wrapper. torn
stockings, and presenting rather an
alarming contrast to the brilliant ball
room belle, was lounging on sofa.
Jenny; in a neat morning dress, with a
large gingham apron little white collar
and hair smoothly brushed into a neat
knot, vas washing the breakfast dishes.
There is an old man at the door with
some artificial flowers" said the ser
want, opening the dining room door:
"wIll you see him?"
"No." said Jenny.
''Yes," cr1ed Laura, ''send him up. y
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 mnch too
large for him. His hair was white and
he wore beard and moustache of the
same snowy hue. Making low bow, he
nlacnd the large basket he carried on
the table, and opened it.
ssI have bunch of blue mowers here. ,
he said, taking them from the basket,
"that will suit your golden hair, Miss,
and he held them before Jenny.
"It is my sister who wished to looi
at your flowers" said Jenny, quietly.