For Honor’s Sake Read Online Free

man who arranged it all, Mr. Goddard, recruited us and has assured us that everything is above board. He is a good and kindly man. Women are desperately needed in California. Not … bad women, but decent ones willing to settle in the west and raise families. Mr. Goddard is the instigator in a sort of lottery held in California. After everything was arranged there he returned here to recruit women willing to become wives to the lonely men in California. All our expenses are being paid by the prospective grooms.”
    “How did you learn about this, Polly?” Julie was astounded by what Polly had told her.
    “In the newspaper. Didn’t you see the ad? It ran for weeks.”
    “No, Uncle Hugo never wasted coin on a newspaper. He always read the copy passed around the firehouse before he came home. Do your parents approve of what you are doing?”
    Polly’s pert features crumbled, making Julie almost sorry she brought up the subject. “My father died ten years ago and my … my mother, only a month ago. I have no one, neither friend nor relative who cares what I do.”
    “I’m sorry, Polly,” Julie said softly. “But you and I are much alike in that respect.”
    Polly was immediately interested. “Are your parentsalso dead?”
    “My mother died years ago. But I’m sure my father is alive. He left me in the care of his sister and her husband two years ago when he went off to California to look for gold. I haven’t heard from him in nearly two years but I know he is still alive. Now my aunt is dead and my uncle is forcing me to marry him.”
    “So you ran away,” surmised Polly, spying the carpetbag partially hidden beneath the hem of Julie’s cape.
    “I had no choice,” Julie shrugged. “He tried to … to … well, needless to say I will not marry that despicable man no matter what he says. I left his house this morning and have no intention of returning.”
    “Where will you go? Do you have someone to help you?” asked Polly, worry over her newfound friend wrinkling her smooth brow.
    “I have no one,” admitted Julie sadly. “I don’t know what I’ll do. I only know that I can’t return home to Uncle Hugo.”
    “Come to California, Julie,” Polly urged, excited. “You said your father is there. Think how surprised he’ll be when you find him.”
    “But, Polly, how do I know I won’t be trading one despicable husband for another? Can you guarantee me a man I could love? Or happiness?”
    “We are women, Julie. Are we ever given any guarantees in life? How many women do you know who are forced into loveless marriages by conniving fathers without a thought for their daughter’s feelings? I’ll wager there are too many to count. Love is a luxury not many of us are fortunate enough to experience.”
    “I’ve … I’ve never thought of it that way,” admitted Julie, awed by her newfound friend’s understanding that far surpassed her years.
    “At least I’m placing my future in my own hands. It’s my choice to go to California. I have faith that the manchosen to become my husband is a good and kind man. And I’ll make him a good wife. What about you, Julie?” Polly challenged. “Are you brave enough to take charge of your own future?”
    Julie hesitated but a few moments before giving her answer. “Where will I find your Mr. Goddard?”
    Polly hugged Julie exuberantly. “I’m so glad, Julie. It will work out, you’ll see.”
    Together Polly and Julie hoisted Julie’s carpetbag between them and walked the few blocks to a small storefront office sandwiched between two large buildings. The sign posted on the front window in bold, black letters drew Julie like a magnet as she paused to read the advertisement. “Young ladies of good reputation wanted,” the sign proclaimed. “If you are willing to travel to California, all expenses paid, to embark upon a great adventure, inquire inside. Thirty berths available to the lucky women who will find husbands waiting for them at the end of their