The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-09-21

drive her from the house, the privilege oil
remaining, for short time, with them.--
Contrary TO her expectations, they refused
her. Their husbands had married them
more on account of the wealth OF their
father, than any affection they fel. for
them, and they feared If they gave Maria
home their father would disinherit them.
Such is the effect wealth has on the af-
fections.
Maria retreated to her chamber, and
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 she
should obtain a living. After thinking
Of the matter for some time, she said to
herself-"WeH l have a good constltu-
ton and can labor; how would ii appear
for the daughter of the rich Mr.. Grafton
to go about the city soliciting employ
nent." At this moment she recoIlected
having heard one OF the housc-maids
speak Of being employed in factory,
and she desceded TO the kitchen.
Hannah" said she, addressing the
girl, 81 heard you a few days since,
speak of working IN factory. How
did you like it theni"
"Oh, | liked il very much, Miss Maria,
and should have remained there, had my
health been good"
"Was the work harder than your work
here!" inquired Maria.
mo, ma'am, | don't think it was, but
ii was more conining."
"Will you tell me where it vast" a.
gain inquired Maria.
The glrl gave her the required infor-
nation, and also the name of the overseer
of the room where she worked, and the
name of the lady with whom she had
boarded, adding "she is the kindest
woman ever saw
Her mind was now made up. She
decided upon entering factory. Anoth-
er difficulty now presented itself. Would
her father allow her to take her clothing
and what money she hads She de,ermin-
ed if she should still adhere to This reso-
luton, to ask him the question.
In The morning she met her father at
the breakfast table. Neither spoke till
the meal was finished. At length her
father inquired:
"Well, Maria, have you consented to
marry Henry Stevens!'
Maria hesiiated a. moment, but said
firmly. Il have not"
"You heard my determination last
night" said he. al now repeat it. You
must marry Henry Stevens, or quit my
home"
a cannot marry him. father" said she;
'sooner viii | quit, not only this house,
but this world"
"Then 60" said he angrily, rising
from the chair.
'.Shall take my clothes!'' asked she.
"Yes, go, and never let me see or hear
from you again." said he slamming the
door violently, andieaving her alone.
Maria sunk back into chair and wept
bitterly. For moment she seemed al
most inclined to comply with his wish
but the idea that she must forever be
linked with a william, and suffer re2roach
should bis villainies be discovered was
more than she could bear, and she pre-
ferred the anguish of separating from her
friends. free and with honor, TO that Of
marrying Stevens.-She hastily packed
up her things ond in few hours left her
fathers home.
As she passed through the city of Bos-
ton, where her sisters resided, desire
sprung up to see them-but from their
recent treatment, she dared not visit them,
and she also feared meeting with her
father. Maria was well furnished with
clothing and had about twenty-five dollars
in money. Although she had been sur
rounded with wealth, she never till now
knew the value Of money. A thousand
doubts, and fears crossed her
mind as she was pursuing the journey to
the place described by the girl Of whom
she had inquired in her fathers kitchen,
and although she felt sad for being driven
from home, she could scarce suppress a
smile at the awkwasdness with which
she should engage in any kind Of labor.
She at last arriven at the house of Mrs.
Dana, the lady designated by Hannah,
and easily obtained board in her family.
She learned also that Mr.. Potter, the
overseer whose name she had taken, was
in want of help. ~ S
Ii is unnecessary for US TO follow the
fortunes of Maria through their various
channels. She entered the factory, learn
ed to work, and found many friends, a.
mong whom, and the only one il would
be of interest TO the reader TO name, was
Caroline Perkins, a girl about her own
age. These two became intimate friends.
In the factory their looms were next to
each other, and they occupied the same
room at their boarding house. They
were attached to Mrs. Dana, with whom
they boarded, and she eyinced deep
interest in their welfare.