SCENE XIX

A young girl whose father had died of apoplexy, lived in an old town with her mother. They were not rich with regard to money, but they were very happy together. The daughter gave lessons in science, and she also taught grammar.

A young man in a neighbouring town wanted her to marry him, but for a long time she hesitated. He was steady and afFectionate, but he

Exercises for Composition. 89

was extremely short-sighted, and the girl could not décide to overlook such a defect. Her mother had a long talk with her, and told her that such a thing should not be an obstacle. Then the daughter objected that she could never leave her mother. " Oh ! " replied the latter, "you accept the young man, I shall get on.'^

So after weighing the pros and cons, the girllfmd the young man that she would consent to marry him, provided that she could live part of the time with her mother. He replied that she was very good to overlook his faults so kindly ; he would only ask her to live two months a year in his town. He would gladîy undertake the care of her mother. ^'"^ '^ ' -^

Accord ingly they were married, and after taking leave of their friends, went away for a month to the country. Then they returned, and began housekeeping in a pretty little house which the young husband had rented before their departure«

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