American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-03-25
Frsm Peterson : National Magazine
THE FACTORY GIRL.
EY ELLEN ASHTON.


Ky ELLEN ASHTON.
IN sweet rural valley, nestled among the
hills of old Massachusetts, stands a pleasant vii
iage, with picturesque mill pond and factory.
Three summers ago this hamlet was the tenn
porary residence of two young men, who were
apparently travelling artists, as their chief oc-
cupation seemed to consist in skctching the
scenery Of the neighborhood, which was celc-
brated for its beauty. Their arrival had created
some stir among the villagers, for without bit
OF prctension, both young men had "a certain
dignity of manner, that made them looked up to,
and many 4 pretty factory GIRL as she tripped
to her work, cast back Il look over her shoulder,
if she met either of the handsome strangers.
Though the society of the village was unu-
sually intelligent, and the females remarkable
for loneliness there was one famed above all
the rest, in both mind and person--sweet
Edith Mather. She was an orphan, without
sister or brother, and lived with an aged aunt,
whom she chiefly supported by her labor in the
factory. Edith was popular with every one
she was SO gentle, conSderate and kind, that
even those who at first envied, learned at least
to love her. The younger Of the artists, whom
we shall name Lovel, soon became interested in
this sweet creature; at least if looks, tones, and
II constant seeking of her presence were any
proofhe was thus Interested
One day he and his friend had canbered up
some rocks on the steep hillside from which
the village was overlooked, and as they sat
there, the factory bell rang and the green was
immediately covered with the girls employed in
it, vending their way thither after dinner. A
mong them it was easy TO recognize the light
and graceful form of Edith.
is she not beautiful Where can you show
me form go sylph-like?' said Lowell, with I'M
disguised enthusiasm.
Ills companion made no reply for moment,
hat then abruptly remarked,
i think it is time we left this village
'Why?' asked Lowell, in tone of surprise
because if we do not, you will have that
girl in love with you. Your admiration is evil
able TO hold out hopes yea never intended to
fulfil
Hold out hopes never intend to fulfl?'
'Yes-for you don't think of marrying the
girl, do your
TO be sure
The deuce you do!' said his companion,
starting to his feet in unaffected astonsl-
ment.
Losel INDUCED in Il hearty laugh, and then
asked,
Why not?'
why not! Why for thouand reasons
She's only factory girl, a lady of neither birth
nor education, but simple country lass, very
good indeed in her way, only no match for
Fred Lovel. Think of presenting her TO your
fashionable friends in town No-no-it will
never do. Shake off this love fit pack up your
trunk, and let US be off Tomorrow
Lovel shook his head.
i am perhaps a more romantic raan than
you are, Harry he said, but have some COM
mon sense about me, and think have brought
If 10 bear upon this question. We have now
been here month, in which time | have be-
come pretty we'll acquainted with Edith.
lett town-we both left it-heartily sick of its
trlvoltes; and on my part, with the firm opin-
ION that L know no woman in our set there
whom would be willing to make my wife
The city girls are so frivolous, so fond of par
ties, SO eager ofwealthy alliances, and really so
ignorant of household AFFAIRS that for man of
my taste TO marry one of them would be folly
am not fond of gay life-I think it wastes so
much precious time; and want, therefore, a
wife who will be domestic, and not involve me
in round of balls and other entertainments
do not wish to be hermit few friends are
agreat blessing and shall always be glad to
gather around me small circle of the right
kind but promscuous, fashionable vistings,
detest. Now | think have Just found the
partner require, in Miss Mather. She is we'll
informed, agreeable, simple in her taste, has
sound sense, and withal possesses a large share
of personal beauty, and if | mistake not, the
power of loving very deeply. If marry her
and take her to the city, her ntuitive tact
and she has this to remarkable degree-wll
soon supply any deficiency in manner. In
short, do not know where | could make u
better choice
s,'How''-v hen she has no accomplishments.
She can sing with untaught grace; and as
for iabberng in French, don't know how that
will make her better. She would soon learn
too, with her quick parts. Besides, | care more
to have wife usefnlly informed, than to have
one possessing only superficial accomplish
1nents.'
But her family recolect who your grand
father was
And who was hers? worthy divine, poor
grant, but estimable. Besides ! am above
the cant you talk of. If her parents had been
honest, would care little whether they were
of royal blood or peasant extraction. believe
with Burns that worth makes the man. and
the only degradation | acknowl ledge, is that oil
crime
We'll, If you are resolved on it, | know
enough oil your obstinacy to say no more. But
faith, Lowell, if you had guardian and was
he would take you from the place to-mor.
row. You'd thank me for it when you recov-
cred your senses
The conversation here ceased: and directly
the two friends retraced their steps to the vii.
lage.