The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1845-03-28

standard of responsibility was fue exieri
or graceful manners and heavy purse
She had often declared in The presence o.
: her cousin, that she would never associate
with mechanic, more especially il he
sprang from poor family. But Mary had
a.heIeni yiewc. She respected oil men,
whether dressed in broadclcth or homespun
aud was as particular IN her attentions Il
The day uborcr Of good character, as to the
individual who prided himself on his birth,
wealth aud education.
Charles Clinton was the son Of n poor
ll.maker. His father had been IN low
circumstances for many years, brought on
by incorporate habits, and he could barely
earn sufiicien, TO keep his family together.
His mother was prudent and Industrious
woman, aud II was mainly owing to her ex.
ertions that they had been kept together SO
long time. At an early arc Charles left
school, and went 10 learn the trade OF a
+ printer. tie was Industrious and oblainr,
aud gained the respec, not only of his mas
Ter, but his fellow apprentices. Instead Of
spending his evenings, or his few leisure
hours IN the day, among the vicious and
proiane, or in walking the streets in idle.
ness, he would obtain some useful work and
pefuse il. lie would frequently carry home
the newspapers Of the day, when he had
nothing else 10 read, and thus endeavor TO
improve his mind. In this way he became
Intrlligent--bow could he DO otherwise p
| and won the good will of all who knew
him. A, times he would take a shee, of
paper aud siI IN The little room of his mo
there, endeovoring to place bis thoughts
upon paper. Charles was never idle be
vas either at work With his hands or with
his mind.
When Clinton became OF age, he was
employed by his master ard received good
wages for his services. At this time
Charles was acquainted with but few &c.
males amocg these, however, was Clara
Eda ards, al whose house he occasionally
visited, he BEN. mGre particularly &C
quainted with the father. lie was cordial
~ received by the family but Clara en-.
deas orcd 10 manifest her dislike TO him 10
various ways. He held TO no views which
she did not oppose. and would converse
with him on no subject. Once he invited
her to accompany him 10 pleasant re-
treat, but she refused by saying she was
engaged bu, remained at home all day.
Doe evening lie found most Of the family
had gone on, and she left alone. lle Ell.
deavored TO interest her by introducing va
rious topics Of conversation, bn, she mari
tested no interest in his remarks, and he re
manned but a shor, time. This was be fore
her cousin had arrived from the country.
When she came. he found one who was
wiling TO couvetse--w behaved like
lady TO all who visited the house.
Mary Edwards had been al her cousins
about a week, when the conversation at The
commencement OF our story took place. A
day or two after, Charles called at the
house, but the MON, n, Clara saw him en-.
ter the door she left the room. Mary &C.
cepted polite invitation TO accompany
HIN TO concert. and 10 few moments
she was ready. They passed an Agreeable
evening. She had no sooner returned 10
the house than her cousin exclaimed
What fool to be seen with Charles
Clinton should be ashamed Of myself
No one who thinks any thing Of herself vi i'll
90 with him. | dou'l believe our kitchen
citI would have gone with him"
"To speak as think, Clara, Charles is
gentleman, aud esteem it al honor that
he should invite me-"
90, luddy,-l shall faint" exclaimed
Clara.
You are strange girl." Since have
been in Portland this last time, have seen
no young man with whose appearance
am so lavorably impressed as with Gin
TONS"
"Thcu, really, you are in love with the
mechnnic-,ho son Of Clay Cove sail
maker."
. In love with his appearance, | am"
"And you may marry him in welcome .
dear, what strange things will take place"
said Clara, with contemptuous smile.
Marry him am no, worthy Of so
fine q gentleman. lie IS my superior IN
every respect. III should be SO fortunate as
10 obtain such a man 70: husband should
esteem myself the mos, fortunate OF girls"
"D,s,ressine !-.no decent girl would have
the fellow. You would marry hIm-hey !"
"Perhaps would if could get him"
"WeIl, really, can't help laughing
a genuine love scrape; shall give up. II
will be a beautiful place, must confess, 10
live in--,hat hovel, sitting in the mud, and
to have SO beautiful tniher.in Law Well, |
declare, il will be fine"
You contemplate too much for me,
cousin. do not expect to have Charles
he looks higher than country girl But
If he should marry, he will not probably
take his wits TO live in such place as you
describe; although don't know where
Clay Cove is"
AT this moment Clara's parents entered
the room.
Have you heard the news, father 7" in
quired the proud girl.
" No child, have heard nothing. What
interests you so much r.
"You'h lacah well when | tell you. It