Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1847-07-22
TALE.
.nARI.a GR.aFTOF.

I Lot evoryt Gifis6hoose her own Husband.
Seated in q pleasant cham Der was a
young lady, the daughter OF one OF the
most arislocratic merchants inI New Eng
land. He had risen from obscutity, and by
course. though not strictly honest, yet 10
accordance with the practice Of some OF
The Weather merchants in the country,
bad amsssed large amount Of property.
With him wealth was very ibiee la,-,..-,,
nothin o. aLL----.~-ssSrOIu oitai auo :. W.,
and il only needed that a man wealthy
no matter BY what means he become So
to ensure his respect.
His residence was but few miles from
the city Of Boston, and il was one Of the
mos, beautiful 10 tina, city. Nc pains bad
been spared to make il worthy Of no'ice,
Ifor Mr.. Grafton was . man iond OF praise
His Youngest daughter, Maria, was now
The only child remaining at home. i~c
sons on whom he had P,acedh's hopes lol
The perpetus,ion Of his name and on wnoH
Inc had designed 10 bestow theEgrea'er Por'
ton Of bis wealth. died ere tpey aHalnee
10 manhood. OF three daughters t~s
were married. leaving Maria with Der "a
,ber who loved her next-PerhaPs-,'
his money. -,
Sad we're the thoughts Of the TAR glrl
as she sa, alone 10 her chamber, oui we.
!, Wer. ,oon interrupted. Thelvoice q De
fs,bsr snmmoued her 10 The .parlor.-
Wh.n she descended. she found he va
accompanied by msn named Stephen!
who had some lime previous oiereo q
hand 10 81 aria, but not contehsed win ne
y refusal. and knowing the apacomen'
D. her father 10 wealth, had calico MN 70 .
. I'd. Maria raised her eyes a. she en'ere
: ,he room. but as she saw Stephens, turne
her head and seated herself ., the W., ~
ID dow NHef father addressed her, presen
I'D cd Stephens, and informed her that y y
: his wish Ina, she should sccsp, Of bin
ed her future husband.
IL Maria inioiEned her father shat she o
We rejected Mr. Sfsphsns once, and ihstes
me did she love HIM which it was very c.
IRE 80 ~. did no, her iudgme nj taught !
Ct, better than 10 risk bet happiness 10
,ng hands.
,J What do you know Of love said
il Grafton, faud shy are yop unwii''ns
'h- risk voar happiness with HIN; his wss
the lis sufficient to procure you esery conn
). aud his character is--s :,
ord Infamous I interrupted N arta yiooK
he him fully in the face.
! IN Stephens turned pale. and his iiPsel
.ns cred with rage. and the aogetgfo poin
ne. er scarcely kae " bounds.5e inquired
hi. ne did not answer h,ou Of bis -enarss
she'd L.
A,d - con vince me that my wore
- $40. answered Maria.
aIy daughter said Mr.. Grafton. q
> suming . milders tone, though you ma
J. hays heard reports unfsvorable 10 NJ
= Stephens. believe me. they are wiihos
! lfonn dalton. He 10 one Of the seallhie'
: men in The city,.
: He may be eli you think be IL, sal
: Maria. but cannot marry BIN.
). .You may 90 in your chamber. sai
. her father. Il an determined Henry 81,
: phens STALL BE- my sonain-tsw. and 70
= mus, N airy him or quii my house. Iwl
nsfthef own nor support 40 ungraieil
d dsushtsr. To. morrow Ishall expect yot
y answer.
Maris knew too veil The ehsrsctel
her father to make any reply. A ctis
: had arrised which she had toE some d..
fesfed. She knsv that Der tsfussl
!, Stephens would bring down the wrath
her fsihsr on her hasd. sna had write
lto both SISTERS sisiiDe The circumstance