Year: 1860

"Godfrey, old boy" said Henry Clayton, as he
tilted back his chair, and put his feet on the
tlepiece, "when is the wedding to be?"


"Whose wedding?"


"Miss Laura Somers, or Jenny, which is it?"


81 do not know, am sure"


"Now don't be mysterious, Cooley; you know
you are most constant visitor and all our set
talking about the match Don't pretend you have
not selected one of the sisters" ~


How do you know either Of them viii bave me?'


Don't be absurd old boy. You, young, hand
some, talented, and with large fortune, need not
be over bashful Come, be frank which is the IA
vorite sster?"


Well. frankly then, cannot tell you l have
visited the family for several months as YOU know,
but | cannot decide. Laura is certainly the hand
soonest, with her flashing black eyes and queenly
manner; bat Jenny seems, though the youngest,
to be the most womanly and useful of the two
Yet, [ cannot be of that My entrance is the
signal for cordial welcome and Smiles and, let me
call at what time will, they are always dressed,
and apparently disengaged. To be sure, always
in the morning have to wait some time before
Laura is visible"


Pop in unexpectedly and notice the internal
economy


How can I? A card at the door will put any
lady on her guard or even the notice of gentle
man visitor


Go there in disguise. AS washerwoman, for
instance


Good! will


Go there as washerwoman? cried Clayton


'Not exactly, but | will obtain admittance to
mornings privacy


We'll let me know the result


Laura and Jenny Somers were the only children
of widower, who, although in moderate circum-
stances, moved in very fashionable society. At
the period of my shost sketch, he was about to
supply the amented Mrs Somers place, after near
ly ten years mourning, and, although kind in
dulgent parent. had objection to his daughters
marriage, and indeed had told them so. Laura,
whose high spirits resented the probable supremacy
of step mother, had already selected Godfrey Hor-
tor as her future husband; and Jenny who was
younger and gehtler in spirit, tried to conquer
carefully concealed preference for the pur-
pose All his attentions 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
sisters in the break fast together Laura,
her glossy black hair pushed negligently of her
face, with the rough tumbed braids of last evening
elaborate coifure gathered loosely into comb,
wearing soiled wrapper, torn stockings, and pre-
senting a rather alarming contrast to the brilliant
ballroom ceffe, was lounging on a sofa. Jenny. in
a neat morning dress, with large gingham apron,
little white collar and hair smoothly brushed into
neat knot was washing the breakfast dishes.


There is an old man at the door with some arti-
fetal flowers, said the servant opening the dining
room door, will you see him?"


NO. said Jenny.


Yes cried Laura, "Send him up


The servant departed to obey the last order.


In few moments the old man came in. He
was poorly clad, with coarse blue cloak, which
was much too large for him. His hair was white,
and he wore beard of the same snowy hue
Making low bow, he placed the basket he carried
on table, and opened it.


1 have bunch of blue flowers here" he said
taking them from the basket; ''that will just suit
your golden hair, Miss" and he held them before
Jenny.


1T was my sister who wished to look at your
flowers" said Jenny quietly.


yes bring them here" was Laura's mperious
command.


The old mans eye followed Jenny, as she
washed wiped and put away the Dishes swept the
room, and busted it, 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 sikh


But whispered Jenny, you can't afford it just
now


Yes can Father gave me some money yes
terday.'


TO pay the last dry goods bill"


WELL 1 can have that carried to my private ac-
count"


%. Laura, I hate to hear you talk of that pri-
vate account. Il seems so much like cheating
father


Nonsense! 1t will stand till am married, and
then l can easily it out of my housekeeping
money


Il should not wish to marry in debt, said Jenny.


The old pedder looked earnestly at the two SIS
ters


you had better take this blue bunch, Miss he
said to Jenny. If it amt convenient to pay now,
l will call again


No, shall not take them


They very becoming, Miss. Look in this
glass


They were becoming, mixing with the glossy
golden hair, and setting off Jenny's dazzling
complexion.


i wish my hair was light said Laura. 4 should
like to wear blue. Godfrey Horton said last night
that forget-me- nots were his favorite flowers


Jenny colored and placing the bunch again in
the basket, said Come Laura, decide. You are
keeping one waiting whose time probably is valuable;
then; passing chair, she added. abe seated sir,
you look tired


4 am tired. indeed was the reply.


4 will take the scarlet bunch, and red camelins,
and this white cluster" said Laura.


But sister, you cannot afford it.


'Yes can Godfrey Horton is rich


The old man bit his lip.


Think said Jenny in low tone, IF you love
him, how much it will grieve him if he should
discover this deceit