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

Seated IN pleasant chamber was a
young lady, the daughter of one of the
Iaost aristocratic merchants in New Eng
land. He had risen from obscurity, and
by course--though not strictly honest
yet in accordance with the practise Of
some of the wealthiest merchants in the
country, had amassed very large a.
mount of property, With him wealth
was everything; he knew nothing of hap
piness, save when il was considered in
the scale OF dollars and cents; amp il only
needed that man be wealthy, no matter
gby what means he became SO, to insure
his respect.
His residence. was but few miles from
the city Of Boston, and il was one of the
most beautiful in that city. No pains
had been spared to make 1t worthy Of no.
tice, for Mr.. Grafton was man fond Of
praise. His youngest daughter, Maria,
was the only chlId remaining at home.--
Two sons, on whom he had placed
his hopes for the perpetuation of his
family name, and on whom he designed
to bestow greater portion Of his wealth,
died ere they had attained to manhood
OF three daughters, two were married,
leaving Maria with her father, who loved
her next perhaps 10 his money.
Sad were the thoughts of the poor girl,
as she SAT alone in her chamber, but they
were soon interrupted. The voice Of
her father summoned her TO the parlor.-
When she descended she found that he
was accompanied by man. named Ste
vens. who had sometime previously Of
fered his hand TO Maria. but not content
ed with her refusal, and knowing the at
.tachment of the father 10 wealth, had
called him to his aid. Maria raised her
eyes as she entered the room. but as soon
as she saw Stevens, turned her head and
seated herself by the window. Her
father addressed her, presented Stevens,
and informed her that it was his wish that
should accept him as her future husband.
Maria informed her father that she had
rejected Mr.. Stevens once, and that even
did she love him, which was very certain
she did not, her own ju lgment taught her
better than to risk her happiness in his
hands.
+Whai do you know OF love!" said
Mr.. Grafton, sand why are you unwil-
ling 10 risk your happiness with him!-
His wealth is sufficient TO procure you
every comfort, and his character is"
"Infamous?'' interrupted Maria, look
ing him fully in the face.
Stevens turned pale, and his lips quiver-
ed with rage, and the anger Of her father
scarcely knew bounds. For a moment
he did not answer her. AT length point
ing his finger at Stevens. he inquired:
''.And what do you know of his charac-
ter?''
Enough to convince me my words
were true" answered Maria.
"My daughter said Mr.. Grafton, as
suming mIlder tone, though you may
have heard reports unfsvorable to Mr..
Stevens, believe me they are without
foundation. He is one Of the weallhiest
men in the city"
sHe may be all that you think he is.''
said Maria. ssbut cannot marry him."
sYou may 60 to your chamber said
her father. II am determined Henry
Stevens. shall be my son-in-law, and you
must marry him or quit my house; | will
neither own or support an ungrateful
daughter. Tomorrow | shall expect an
answer"
; Maria knew too well the character of
her father to make any reply. A crisis
had arrived which she for some days had
feared. She knew that her refusal of
Stevens would bring down the wrath of
her faiher on her head, and had written
70 10th sisters, stating the circumstances,