Litchfield enquirer., 1844-06-27
MARIA GRAFTON;
OR LET EVERY GIRL CHOOSE HER OWN
HUSBAND ..- ....

Seated in pleasant chamber, was young lady,
the daughter of one Of the most aristocratic mer-
chants in New England. He had risen from obscu-
rity, and by course, although not strictly honest
yet in accordance with the practice of some of the
wealthiest merchants in the country, had emassed
large amount of property. With him tceults
was every thing; he knew nothing of happiness,
when it was considered in the scale of dollars
and cents; and he need only be wealthy, no matter
by what means he became so, to ensure his respect
His residence was but few miles from the city
of Boston, it one Of the most beautiful in that
vicinity. No pains had been spared to make it
worthy of notice, for Mr.. Grafton was a man fond
of praise. His youngest daughter, Maria, was now
the only child remaining at home. Two sons on
whom he had placed his hopes for the reputation
of his family name, and whom he had designed
to bestow the greater portion of his wealth, died
ere they had attained to manhood. of three daugh-
tiers, two were married, leaving Maria with her
father, who loved her next, perhaps, to his money
Sad were the thoughts of the fair girl, she sat
alone in her chambers but they were soon Interrupt
ted. The voice of her father summoned her to the
parlor. When she descended, she found he was
accompanied by young man named Stevens, who
some time since offered his hand to Maria, but not
content with her refusal, and knowing the attach
ment of her father to wealth, he called him to his
aid. Maria raised her eyes she entered the room,
but as she saw Stevens turned her head, and seat
GU HeISelI ny the WluuOWt Iler Idlner addressed
her, presenting Stevens, and informed her that it
was his wish that she should accept him as her tu-
ture husband. Maria informed her father that she
had rejected Mr.. Stevens once, and that did she
I0Ue him, which she was very certain she did not,
her own judgement taught her better than to risk
her happiness in his hands.
what do you know of lovc p said Mr.. Grafton !;
and why are you unwilling to risk your happiness
with him His wealth is sufficient to procure
every comfort, and his character is -
'Mfamous' interrupted Maria, looking him
full in the face
Stevens turned pale and his lips quivered with
rage. and tie anger of the father scarcely knew
bounds. AT length, pointing his finger at Stevens,
he enquired--
:And what do you know of his character"
Enough to convince me that my words were
true,' answered Maria.
My daughter said Mr.. Grafton assuming a
mlder tone, though you may have heard reports
unavorablesto Mr.. Stevens, bolievS nir, they are
without foundation. He is one Of the weaithiest
men in the city.
He may be all that you think he isl but can
not marry him.
You may go to your chamber said her father, |
am determined that Henry Stevens shall be my SON.
in-law, and you must marry him or quit my house.
will neither own nor support an ungrateful and
disobedient daughter. Tomorrow shall expect
your answer
to make any reply. A crisis had arrived which she
had for some days feared. She knew that her re-
tusal of Stevens would bring down his wrath on her
head, and had written to both her sisters, stating
the circumstances and requesting, in case her ia
Their should drive her from the house, the privilege
OF remaining for short time with them. Contra
ny to her expectations, both had refused her. Their
husbands had married them more on account OF
the wealth of their father, than for any affection
they had felt for hem land they feared if they gave
Maria home, their father would disinherit them.
Such is the effect which wealth has on the aflec-
tons.
Maria retired to her chamber, and after giving
vent TO flood of tears deliberated on what course
to pursue. One thing was certain, she determined
not to marry Stevens. The next thing was, how
shculd she obtain living After thinking Of the
matter for some time, she said to hersef-EWell, ]
have good constitution and can labor but how
would it appear for daughter of the rich Mr.
Grafton TO go about the city seeking employment.
This would not answer. At last she Concluded that
rather than remain in this city, she would 50 to
some village, and if possible, obtain employment.
At this moment she recollected having heard one
of the house maids speak of being employed in a
factory, and she descended to the kitchen.
Hannah said she addressing the girl, Il heard
you few days since speak of working in factory
how did you like it there
| 80, liked it very much, Miss Maria, and should
have remained there, had nv health been good
WAS the work harder than your work here !?
enqured Maria.
No ma am don't think it was, but it was more
confined
'Will you tell me where it was ? again enqured
Maria.
| The girl gave the required information, and alsc
the name of the overseer of the where she had
worked, and the name Of the lady with whom shc
| boarded, she is the kindest woman ever saw
! ind ri Maria M adj he dp
cided upon entering factory. Another difficulty
now presented itself Would her father allow hen
TO take her clothing and what money she had she
determined if he should still adhere to his resolu.
ton, to ask him the question.
In the morning she met her father at the break
fast table. Neither spoke until the meal was fin
ished AT length her father enquircd--
| well, Maria, have you concluded to marry Mr.
Stevens p
Maria hesitated for moment, but said firmly
i. l have not
You heard my determination last night sale
he; now repeat it. You must marry Henry
Stevens or quit my house,
| Il cannot marry him, father sooner would
quit, not only this house, but the verdi.
Then co. said he angrily, rising from hi
chair.
Shall | take my clothes p asked Maria.
| 'Yes; and never let me see or hear from yot
again. said he, slamming the door violently, ant
leaving her alone
Maria sank back in her chair and wept bitterly
For moment she seemed almost inclined to com
ply with his wish but the idea that she must eve
be linked to villain, and suffer reproach if hi:
villainies were discovered, was more than sht
could bear, and she preferred the anguish ofsepara
ting from her friends, free and with honor to tha
Of marrying Stevens. She hastily packed up hc
things, and in a few hours left her father'shouse
! As she passed through the city of Boston, wher,
her sisters resided a desire soranguD to see them