The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1845-03-19
From the Ladies' National Magazine.
The Factory Girl,
Ri ELLEN ASHTON.

In q sweet, rural valley, nestled among
the hills of old Massachusetts, stands apleas-
AMI village, with picturesque mill-pond and
factory Three summers ago this hamlet was
the temporary residence of two young men,
who were apparently travelling artists, as their
chief occupation seemed TO consist in sketch
ing the scenery of the neiGhborhood, which
was celebrated for its beauty. Their arrival
had created some stir among the villagers, .lor
without bit of pretension, both young men
had a certain dignity of manner that made
them looked up to, and many pretty facto-
~ GIRL as she tripped 10 her work, cast back
a look over her shoulder, if she met either OF
The handsome strangers.
Though the society of the village was I'M
usually intelligent, and the females were re-
uIarkablc for loneliness, there was one famed
beyand all the 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 support
ed 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 enyied learned at last TO love her. The
Younger of the two artists, whom we shall
name Lowell, soon became interested IN this
sweet creature; at least if looks, tones, and
constant seeking for her presence were any
proof, he was thus interested.
One day he and his friend had clambered
up some rocks on the steep hillside, from
which the village was overlooked, and as
they sat there the bell of the factory rang, and
the green was Immediately covered with girls
employed in it, vending their way thither af-
ter dinner. Among them it was easy to rec
egnize the light and graceful form of Edith.
fsIs she not beautiful Where can you
show me person 30 sylph-llke !" said Low
ell, with undisSused enthusiasm.
His companion made no reply for mo-
ment, but then abruptly remarked.
81 think it is time we left this village
why p asked Lowell in a tone of sur
prise.
because, If we do not. you will have that
girl in love with you. Your admiration is
evident to all her friends, and you are too hon
orabIe to hold out hopes you never intend to
fulfl!''
"Hold out hopes never intend to fulfil ~
"Yes-for you don't think Of marrying
the girl, do youl'
ITO be sure"
1.-THE deuce you do said his companion,
Starting to bis feet in affected establishment.
Lowell INDUCED in hearty laugh, and then
asked,
why mott"
"Why not Why, for q thousand rea-
sons. She's only a factory girl, lady of
neither birth nor education, but simple coun-
try lass, very good in her way, only no match
for Fred Lowell Think of presenting her to
your fashionable friends in town Mono
it will never do. Shake off this love-ft;
pack up your trunk, and let us be off to-Qlor
row.
Lowell shook bis head.
81 am, perhaps, more romantic man
than yon are, Harry" he said, " but have
some common sense about me, and | think
have brought ii to hear upon the ques-
ton. We have now been here a month,
in which time | have become pretty well
acquainted with Edith. l left town-we
both left it-heartily sick of its frivolties:
and on my part, with the firm opinion that
knew no woman in our set there whom
l would be willing to make wife. The
CITY girls are so frivilous so fond of parties.
so EAGER for wealthy alliances, and really
so Ignorant of household affairs that for
man of my tastes to marry one OF them
would be folly. / am not fond of gay life
i think it wastes TOO much precious
time; and l want, therefore, 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 great blessing, and l shall always
be glad to gather around me small cir
Gle oft the right kind; but Promlscuous,
fashionable visiting l detest. Now think
! have found lust the partner | require IN
Miss Mathcr. She is well-informed, agree
able, simple in her tastes, her sound sense,
and withal possesses large share OF per-
sonal beauty, and if L mistake not, the
power of loving very deeply. If | marry
her, and take her to the city, her intuitive
tact-S she has thisin remarkable degree
will coon supply any deficiency in manner.