The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1884-11-22
CORA, THE FLOWER GIRL.

Joseph Thorn was noble young man,
generous to fault. One knowing him
would respect and admire such man.
One evening he wended his way to
Artley bazaar, where he saw pretty Cora
Dean, the flower girl.
why, Cora, how is this-the flowers
only half sold?'
"Ies," replied Cora, "and l am about
getting tired;' but rallying, she smiled
patiently. Joseph. waiting few mo-
ments. saw a party of his friends ap-
preaching, and quietly taking Cora's
tray with the "button-holes," jokingly
called out to them: mo one admitted to
the festival without 'button.h hole. a"
TIE young folks laughingly gathered
about the stall, and in few moments
the flowers were all sold.
Joseph accompanied Cora home, and
leaving her at the door, returned to the
festival; but, although many bright eyes
aud fair faces were turned to him, his
thoughts aud heart were monopelized by
the pretty flower girl.
Joseph, where have you been spend.
ing your evenings lately?" asked Mrs.
Thorn.
"Why-why-mothel. II love Cora
Dean"
"What, the flower girl of Artley Ba-
zaar?"
"Ihe same. mother"
Mrs. Thorn was not foolish enough 10
unnecessarily blight her sons prospects
and cause him unhuppiness throughout
life, but wanted him not to be mistaken
in taking a step that would have the
same result That evening, heavily
veiled, Mrs. Thorn went to the bazaar
and, stopping at Cora's stall, priced the
flowers, thus engaging Cora in conversa-
ton,
mo wonder the boy has fallen in love
with the girl" inwardly said Mrs. Thorn,
'lor she is so beautiful. l am in love
with her myself
So charmed was Mrs. Thorn that she
could hardly forbear declaring her iden-
tity. Joseph went one evening the fol-
lowing week TO Cora's stall. but no Cora
was there. He went to her home aud
found her, but thought her cool in re.
ceiving him. Mrs. Dean welcomed him
very cordially and talked yolubly.
MIR. Joseph" said she, ave have
some good news to relate to you. Cora
has had $4,000 settled on her by an
uncle in Aushalia!' Poor Josephs heart
sank. Now he knew why the flower girl
was so cool. Rich, she would want a
mate the same, and thus reasoning he
took mp his hat to go. He felt that this
perhaps, was the last time he would see
her, as money made the gulf that would
separate them.
"Good-hy, Coral" said he, sadly.
"Good-by, JosepL!' and MS the gentle
girl took his proflrred hand he felt her
own tremble, and his peut-up feelings
conld no longer be restrained.
1--WE shall not see each other again,
now, Cora"
why not, Joseph?"
Cora, hear me, " he broke out desper-
ately' II love you! Cap hope ever 10
win you aud your love. your heart?"
Cora placed both her hands in his and
replied:
Joseph l love you above all things in
this world" He caught her in his arms;
then and there be gave her the first kiss,
aud that was their betrothal.
But one thing remained to complete
Joseph's happIness-his mothers CON
sent. Upon his arrival home he asked
Mrs. Thorn for few minutes uonversa-
ton She smilingly granted the request,
Tor she knew what was coming,
"Mother, l have asked Cora to be my
wife, and she has consented. Can hope
for your approyal?"
Dear Joseph, that / give YOU willing
ly for know You will be happy with
Cora. Her family and ours were, some
years ago, great friends, fact which I
have recently discovered"
Cora has had $50, 900 made over to
her by wealthy uncle" said Joseph.
well. really, that is agreeable news,
but, MY son, Cora herself is worth ten
times the money. She is a charming
girl and will make your life happy
ONE