Year: 1860


the wedding to be


Whose wedding 2


Miss Laura Somers, or Jenny, which
is it 2


81 do not know, | am sure


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


9 How 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 over bashful-
Come, be frank, which is the favorite sis
ter 2


We'll, frankly then, cannot tell you
| have visited the family for several
months, as you know, but cannot de
eide. Laura is certainly the handsomest,
with her flashing black eyes and queenly
manner; but Jenny seems, although the
youngest, to be the most womanIy and
useful Of the two. Yet, cannot be sure
of that. My entrance is the signal for
cordial welcome and smiles, and, let me
call at what hour | will, they are always
well 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 | A card at the door will
put any lady on her guard, or even the
notice Of a gentleman visitor


Go there in disguise. As washer
woman, for instance


'Zounds | will =


go there as a washerwoman ? cried
Clayton.


Not exactly, but I will obtain admit
tance to mornings privacy


We'll, let me know the result


Laura and Jenny Somers were tha only
children Of widower, who, although in
moderate circumstances, moved in very
fashionable society. At the time of nv
short sketch, he was about to supply the
lamented Mrs. Somers' place, after nearly
ten years mourning, and, although kind
indulgent parent, had no objection to his
daughters marriage, and indeed, had told
them so. Laura, whose high spirit re-
sented the probable supremacy of step
mother, had already selected Godfrey Hor-
ton as her future husband and Jenny.
who was younger and gentler in spirit,
tried to conquer a carefully concealed
preference for the same purpose All his
attentions were ascrlbel by her, to a
brotherIy regard, though every act of
kindness or courtesy touched the very
heart.


1t was the morning after a large ball,
and the sisters were in the breakfast room
together. Laura, her glossy black hair
pushed negligently off her face, with the
rough tumbIed braids Of last evenings
coifure gathered loosely into comb;
wearing a soiled wrapper, torn stockings,
and presenting rather an alarming con
trast to the brilliant ballroom belle, was
lounging on sofa. Jenny, in neat
morning dress, with a large gingham
apron, little white collar and hair smooth
ly brushed into a neat knot, was washing
the breakfast dishes.


There Is an Old man at the door with
some artificial flowers said the servant
opening the dining room door, will you
see him.!


No said Jenny.


Yes cried Laura, 'send him up


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
and moustache Of the same snowy hue
Making low bow, he placed the large
basket he carried on the table, and opened
it.


Il 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
imperious command.


The old mans eyes followed Jenny as
she washed, wiped and pu: away the dish
es, swept the room and busted it, and
then sat beside Laura, who was still look
ing over the basket.


See Jenny, this scarlet bunch. Will
it not be lovely with few dark leaves to
wear with my new silk 2


But whispered Jenny, 'you can't af
ford it jas, now


Yes | can. Father gave me some
money yesterday


TO pay the last dry goods bill


Well | can have that carried to my
private accounts


Oh Laura, hate to hear you talk Of
that private account. 1t seems SO much
ike cheating father


Nonsense! alt will stand till [ am
married, and then can easily save It out
Of my housekeeping money!


| should not wish to marty in debt
said Jenny.


The old peilar looked earnestly at the
sisters.


You had better take this blue bunch,
Miss, he saii to Jenny. fit amt con
yenient to pay now, will call again


No, | shall not take them


They are very becoming, Miss. Look
in this glass


Il wish my hair was light, said Laura.
y should like 10 wear blue. Godfrey
Horton said last night, that forget me-