The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1844-04-27
MIbSNl!LNN NNDUS
NJ RIA GRAF TON.
OR, LET EVERY GIRL CHOOSE HER
OWN HUSBAND.

Seated in pleasant chamber, was a
oung lady, the daughter Of one Of the
NOS, ari.tocratic merchants in New Eng.
land He hand risen from obsenrity, IS
W a course, though not strictly hoaesl
yet in accordance with the practice olI
some Of the wealhiest merchants in the
country, had amassed large amount of
properly. With him WEALTH w,s
every thing; he knew nothing of hap
lpiness, save when it was considered in
the scale Of dollars and cents, and it,
needed only that ran be wealthy, no
matter by what means he became SC, TO
ensure his respect.
His residence was but few miles
from the city Of Boston, and its one Of
The most beautiful in that vicinity. No
pains had been spared 10 make ii worthy
Of notice, for Mr.. Grafton was man
fond Of praise. His Youngest daughter,
Maria, was now The only child remain
ling at home. Two sons, on whom he
had placed his hopes for the perpeua-
ion Of his family name, and on whom
he had designed TO bestow the greater
portion of his wealth, died ere they had
attained TO manhood. OF three daught-
|ers, two were married. leaving Maria
with her father, who loved her next,
perhaps, TO his money.
Sad were the thoughts Of the fair girl
as she sat alone in her chamberlain the y
were soon interrupted. The voice O.
her father summoned her to The parlor
, when she descended, she found he wa
, ccompaned by young man nance
Stevens, who had, some time previous
g red his hand to Maria, bu, not con
'ented with her refusal, and knowing
thsstlachmen Of her father 10 wealth
had called him TO his aid, Mara raise'
: soon as she saw Stevess, turning nc
head, and seated herself by The winIow
, Her father addressed her, presenting
Stevents, and Informed her that it wa
MS wish that she should accept OF hin
IS her future husband. Maria informe
her ialhe that she had rejected M
Stevens once. and thai, even did sh
hoUe him, which she was very certa,
she did not, her own judgment taukh
her better than 10 risk her happines
P his hands.
sWha, 90 you know Of lore" sail
Mr.. Grsfton; sand why are you unwlII
Jog 10 risk your happiness with him
His wealth is sufficient to procure yo
| T.,yI s,,I his oh ic
Infamous = Interrupted Maria, look
ing him full 10 the face.
Stevens turned pale,& his lips quiver
ed with rage, land The anger OF her faith
sr scarcely knew bounds. For mo
. meni he did not answer her. A length
pointing his finger at Stevens, he in
quired, And what know you IF hi
characler?'
y, Enough TO convince me that m,
words were true, answered Maria.
, My daughter said Mr.. Grafton, as
'uming mllder lone though you ma.
: have heard reports unfavorable to Mr.
; Stevens, believe me, they are wiIhou
D foundaIon.-He is one OF the weallhies
b men in The city
'He may bs all that you think he is,
p said Maria, but cannot marry him
, You may go TO your chamber sai'
her father; i am determined lha
, Henry Stevens shall be my son-in-law
and you must marry him, or quit m
house, l will neither own nor supper
an ungratefu and dlsobedenl daught
4r. Tomorrow ! shall expect you
answer.
4 Maria knew too well the character o
her father 10 make any reply. A crisi
iad arrived which she had for som'
lays feared. She knew that her refusa
If Stevens would bring down the wrath
,f her father on her head, and had writ.
en- 10 both her sisters, stating the cir
cumStances, and requesting. if her faith
er should drive her from The house, thu
privilege Of remaining for o short timt
with them. Contrary TO her expectations
both had refused her. Their husband
had married more on account of III,
wealth of their father, than for any ai
fection they had felt for them, and they
feared, il they gave Maria home lhei
father would disnheri,. them, Such is tn
Ieiiect wealth has on the affections.
Maria retired to her chamber, 1nt