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.
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