Montgomery County sentinel., 1891-08-07

CHOOSING A WIFE.

put his feet upon the mantle piece,
"when is the wedding to be ?"
Whose wedding p
"Miss Laura Somers, or Miss Jenny,
which is it?"
II don't know, I'm sure"
"Now, don't be mysterious, Godfrey,
you are constant visitor, and all our
set are talking about the match. Don't
pretend you have not selected one of the
sisters"
'lIow do you know either of them
will have me 2"
"Don't be absurd, old boy. Come,
be frank, which is the favorite sister ?"
"Well, frankly then, | have visited
the family for several months, as you
know, but can't decide Laura is GER
tainly the handsomest, with her flashing
black eyes and queenly manner; but
Jenny seems, although the youngest,
to be the most useful and womanly of
the two. My entrance is the signal for
cordial welcome and smiles, and let me
call at what hour I will, they are always
dressed, and apparently disengaged.
To be sure | always in the morning
have to wait before Laura is visible"
"Pop in unexpectedly, and notice the
internal economy"
"TIow can | ? A ring at the door bell
will put the lady on her guard, or even
the notice of gentleman visitor"
go there in disguise"
GOOD ! | will"
Laura and Jenny we're the children
of widower, who, although in moder.
ate circumstances, moved in fashionable
society. At the end of my short sketch
he was about to supply the lamented
Mrs. Somers' place after nearly 'san
years of mourning, and although kind
and indulgent parent, had no objection
to his daughters marriage, and indeed,
told them so Laura, whose high spirit
resented the probable supremacy of a
stepmother, had already selected God
frey Horton, who figures in the above
conversation, as her husband. and Jenny
WIN was younger and gentler in spirit,
had tried to conquer carefully conceal
ed preference for the same person. All
his attentions were ascribed by her as a
brotherly regard, though every act of
kindness and courtesy touched her very
heart.
It was the morning after large ball,
and the sisters were in the breakfast
room together. Laura, her glossy black
hair brushed negligently off her face,
with the rough, tumbling braids Of last
evenings coiffure gathered loosely in a
comb, wearing soiled wrapper, torn
stockings, and presenting rather an
alarming contrast to the brilliant ball
room belle, was lounging on a sof..
Jenny, in a neat-morning dress, with n
large gingham apron, and hair smoothly
brushed into pretty knot, 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 them 7"
"No," said Jenny.
Eyes," cried Laura, "send him up"
The servant descended to obey the
order given by Laura.
In fow moments the old man came
in. He was poorly clad, with course
blue cloak, which was much too large
for him. His hair was white, and be
wore beard and moustache Of tho same
snowy hue Making a low bow be
placed large basket upon table and
opened it.
II have bunch Of blue flowers here,
said he, taking them from his basket
"that will just suit your golden hair,
and held them up to Jenny
1T was my sister who wished to look
at your flowers" said she quietly
ayes bring them here" was Laura'f
imperious command.
The old mans eyes followed Jenny,
as she washed, wiped and put away the
dishes, swept the room and busted il
and then sat down beside Laura, who
was still looking over the basket.
"See Jenny, this scarlet bunch. Will
it not be lovely with few dark leaves
to wear with my new silk p
"But you cannot afford 1t just now,
whispered Jenny.
"Yes can. Father gave me some
money, yesterday"
"To pay the dry goods bill"
Well, | can have that carried to ny
private account"
"Ohl Laura I hate to hear you tall
an of that priyate account IL looks $,
much like cheating father"
Nonsense 1t will stand till &c
married; then | can easily save it ou
Of my housekeeping money"
"I shouldn't wish to marry in debt,
said Jenny, ''and then take money fron
my husband to pay my debts, that woul
, be mean"
The peddler looked at the sisters dur
, ing the conversation, though uuobserve
, by them.
"You had better take this buncl