for two young men to win as
beautiful wives as ever were seen, to say nothing of the other greater
attractions.
And very soon the sisters, Maud and May, were objects of universal
observation. Yet it was very difficult to get an introduction, the
young gentlemen all found; for the widow kept the beautiful girls very
much secluded.
Numberless were the delicate attentions paid them, in the way of
bouquets, books, and so on, sent by Margaret; and several cards to
Mrs. Brownson, with the request for an introduction, accompanied by
references--among which came those of Vernon Wadsworth and Harry
Bennett.
The first one Mrs. Brownson knew well by reputation. He was a young
physician of very fine promise, and, being of one of the best
families in the State, she considered him worthy of her attention. The
other, she had heard since her arrival there, was the possessor of a
very fair amount of worldly goods, the life-long accumulation of an
old miser uncle. So, from the many aspirants, Mrs. Brownson selected
these two to present to her daughters.
Just at this time, Doctor Alton, Mrs. Brownson's friend and the
physician who had attended her husband, arrived at the sea-shore; and
through him, without any more trouble or waiting the mother's
pleasure, young Doctor Wadsworth obtained an introduction, and
presented his friend, Bennett.
And although both of these young men did their best to keep back all
others by various manoeuvres, many more became acquainted with the
lovely sisters, who soon, much to their own surprise, became decidedly
the belles of that resort.
Carefully Mrs. Brownson had guarded her secret from her girls,
fearing, perhaps, it would have a prejudicial effect, changing their
sweet, unassuming manner, which was one of their greatest charms; or,
perhaps, for other motives best known to herself.
Although Doctor Wadsworth and young Bennett very much feared the
approach of other suitors, it was quite needless, for the girls were
best pleased with the first who had sought them and drawn them forth
from their seclusion.
The older one, Maud, a brilliant brunette, received with undisguised
pleasure the devoted attention of Harry Bennett; while gentle little
May, so fair and timid, always greeted the handsome doctor by a rosy
flush suffusing her beautiful face; and then, from a shy, quick glance
from the eyes, that had drooped at his approach, he would see the glad
light that told how welcome his coming wa
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