Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1883-01-19
rnE MARRIAGE Pexrrex.

rAE MARRIAGE PokTIoy.
There lived about Eve or six miles
from Easton, Pa, a few years since, an
honest farmer named henderson, Who
had two very pretty dauRhtsrs-Eliel.
and Maude. The first was about 70
years of age, while the latter vas barely
~. The farmer was a thrifty, well-to-d do
man, though by no means rich; but the
family lived III excellent style and tie
daughters had received good educa-
ton.
Both Of these girls were pretty, bat
Mauoe was perhaps the handsomer.
There was no lack Of attentive young
gentlemen at the farm, though the
neiRhborhood was not v6ry thiekly ct
tied; but beauty draws Us with q
single hair" and the young ladies were
the center Of a 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 Naude,
and proposed 70 her. Onsher part shs
loved harry Masters above all the young
fellows she knew. and told him frankly
that he might speak TO her father. In
SAC kaOahbiA10 640 CO0u00O t00 Ml6Sbok
TO her mother-a kind hearted, sympa-
thetic parent-who saw no objection to
the choice Of her daughter; but all Was
left for the father to decide.
Henderson vas q very straightforward
and open mOuthed m2n-that ID, he said
exactly what he meant, no more nor
less, and that he uttered freely. When
Harry Masters called him one side and
told hio <~ay,So1al avponA IN, AsnAa
the father said:
swell, Mr.. Masters, Maude ia young.
wanted Ellen to be married first; she's
the oldest, and / have got q marriage
portion of $12O to give her; but haven't
laid by anything yet for MAude."
Il have got pretty well beforehand,
Mr.. Henderson, for a man but ~ years
old, and We shnu be able to do very well,
have no doubt"
"You mean You'll take Naude without
any marriage p0rtiOn?" said the father.
"Yes, sir; very Gladly"
well, its pleasant TO hear you say %,
because it shows your honest affection,
Mr.. Masters; but am too proud to let
Maude marry until l can give Der a
thousand or two t,ward Housekeeping"
1T is not worth waiting for, sur, al
long as We really don't nesd it, and both
are content"
"Then again, I'd rather Naude would
not marry until her sister is married,
because she is 90 much older-do you
see! 1t will actually mako her an old
maid. 1t isn't fair, Mr.. 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 shall begin to pick up q
marriage portion for Gaude."
Il trust that is tho only objection, Mr..
Henderson" said Harry Masters.
"WLy, yes; you are promising and
respectable young man. and come Of q
good family, but can't lot Maude 20
! until have got together a respectable
marriage portion to give with hel
hand"
Perhaps you will think more favora-
bly, about it." said the lover. II will
speak with you again."
| "Ail right"
I Harry and Maude wore very fond Of
each other, and now talked over the
matter very seriously.
| Maude could not blame Der father
and did not like tho idea of going to
Harry without a proper portion to con.
tribute toward their joint partnership
in domestic life.
'Never mind, Harry" said the hand
some young girl; ELLEN will soon b
married. have pretty good reason fol
knowing"
"Ah, but then your father says ha
wants time to pick mp q marriage por
ton for You, and that will take three o.
foUr vAarQ rorharQo
"rhat is good while, is it not
Hayry?" said Maude, Just blushinR I
little, for fear it sounded forward and
bold.
"It's agesr' said the young fellow
Think of waiting three yoArs-why, VI
shall be oil folks by that time"
''Not quite 80 bad 40 that" said tn
girl.
"rm sure my hair will b gray b!
that time"
Nonsense, Harry. Now You are jok
ing"
life" said he, a. he stole kiss from he
pretty lips, and ran away, 30 a. not {
hear her chide him for his boldneeo.
"Maude," said her father, comm
into the house from the barn. II Wis
you would ride the sorrcl mare int
Easton and get this 500 bill change
at the bank. The workmen have 20
done with the roofing Of the barn and
want to pay them Oh tonight"
Very we'll, father. Let John put th
side. saddle on and will be ready in fiv
minutes"
The sOrrel mare was brought up I
the door, and Maude was soon on he
way at an easv hAnd-Qallop tOV ar