Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-04-12
From the New-York Mirror.
A ROMANCE IN REAL LIFE.


Towards the close of the last century,
the then Earl of Exeter projected matri-
monial alliance for his Oldest son, without
consulting the feelings or wishes ofthe party
most interested course of proceeding
but too often acted upon by the nobility at
that period; the acquisition of wealth and
Strengthening family connections, being
considered gilmore importance than domes-
tic happiness. The young heir had de-
clared aversion to the proposed engage
ment and demonstrated against the injustice
of the act but the Earl continued inexo-
rIblc, and the son, in order to avoid union
that was odious to him, left the house of
his father, wandering in disguise, through
the country, till he arrived at the romantic
village of Haughmond, in Shropshire.
Pleased with the situation and pastoral APP
pearance of the country round about, he
took up his abode at the house of a respec-
table farmer. Here he continued to reside,
employing his time in rambling among the
beautiful scenery of the neighborhood, and
pursuing his studies.
The gossips of the village were much
puzzled to make out who or what he could
be, knowing nothing more than that his
name was Cecil Brownlow--all the infor-
nation he chose to give them. He dress
ed respectfully, paid well, was a liberal con-
tributor to, and assistant at the common
school, and had always plenty of guineas
at command though he had no visible sour
ce of supply, nor was he visited by any
thing but their own neighbors. Att they
came to the charitable conclusion that he
must be highwayman; for in no other
way could they account for his being in the
constant possession of SO much money; a
belief that does not appear extravaganza, as
] it was not at all unusual, even within the
last fifty years, for heroes of the road to as
sumo the dress and manners of a gentle.
man, when on their predatory excursions in
the country. Cecil's gentlemanly demeanor
was, therefore, rather against than in favor
of his honesty in the minds of the worthy
rrstics.
Farmer - had a family, and among
them daughter, amiable, and of abilities
superior to the generality of females in hel
rank of life, q did not enquire if she were
handsome, and as | am merely relating
facts, will not assume that she was ever
interestingly Brownlow being pleased will
the respect and attention she paid to him
and also with the desire she evinced to &C
quire knowledge, devoted portion of hi:
time to her improvement in the highe
branches of education, as history, astrono
my, &c. in which she made rapid pro
gress. 1t is not at all surprising, that being
SO much by themselves, and occupied in pur
suits which have such powerful effect il
drawing young hearts together, that they
should become attached to each other. Th'
young lord made an offer of his heart ant
hand, which was readily accepted by tn
maid; but her parents and other relative
were not so willing to bestow her upon
person to whom such u suspicion attached
AT length, however, he contrived to satisf
their scruples, and married the object of hi
affections, and resided happily with her pa
rents till he received the unexpected intel
lgence of the Earl's death. The obstacl
to his return being now removed, he lei
Haughmond, accompanied by the youn
Countess, who, with her family, were sti
ignorant Of the rank of her husband, I
take possession of the titles and estates.-
Journeying leisurely through the country
visiting two of the family seats in thei
route, with which she was very much plea:
ed--on arriving at Burleigh house, the prir
/. cIpal mansion, whose superior splendor, es
I, pecially the hall, excited her wonder an
Notwithstanding first satisfied her curic
sity by showing her all that was worthy ,
notice in the house and gardens, and return
: ed to the hall, with which she seemed mo-
! pleased, he asked her which of The tire
f mansions she preferred She replied, Blu
!, leigh house. The whole household WEI
0 summoned to the hall-and then, to he
great surprise and establishment, announce
to her,tha she was the mistress of all that sh
had seen and admired so much, and Intro
: duccd the farmers daughter TO the dome'
; tics az the "Countess of Exeter" no
J, Warehouses;. They have lived happil
together, afiordng another instance of
woman adjoining the highest station in soci'
ty who was once "lowly lady,"