Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1847-08-03
MARIAN GRAFTON.
OR, sfEsaa
LET EVERY GIRL CHOOSE HER OWN
sF31E@3 HUSBAND.


Seated in pleasant chamber was a
young lady, the daughter of one of the
most aristocraiic merchants in New
England. He had risen from 0bscurity.
eSE? st In Ibeg9@6 ftEiribSX hon,
ofthe weslihiest merchants of the country
had amassed large amount of property.
With him wealth was every thing, he
knew nothing Of happiness, save when it
was considered in the scale ofdollars and
cents; and it only needed that a man be
wealthy, 10 matter by what means he
became SO, to insure his respect. .E.
His residence was but few miles from
the city of Boston. and it was one of the
most beautiful in that city. No pains had
been spared to make it worthy of notice.
for MIR. Grafton was man fond ofpraise.
His youngest daughter, Maria, was now
the only child remaining a; hone. Two
sons on whom he had placed his hopes for
the perPetuation OF his family's name, and
on whom he had designed to bestow a
great portion of his wealth. died ere they
had attained 10 manhood. Ofihree daught
ers, two were married, leaving Maria with
her father, who loved her next, perhaps,
to his money. ,.-..
Sad were the thoughts Of the fair girl.
as she set alone in her champer, bu, they
were soon interrupted. The voice of her
father summoned her to the parIOr. When
she decended she found that he was &C.
cOmPanled by man named Stevens, who
L.
hand but not contented with her refusal,
and kn wing the attachment of her father
10 wealth, had called him to his all. Maria
raised her eyes as she saw Stevens, turn.
ed her head and seated herself by tie
window. Her father addressed her, pre-.
sented Stevens, and informed her that it
was his wish that she should accept him
as her fWnre 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 judgement taught
her better than TO risk her happiness in
his hands.
What do you know of lover said Mr..
Grafton. 'and why are you unwilling to
risk your happiness with him!-His
wealth is sufficient to procure you every
comfort, and his character is go
IN amo,ts2 interrupted Maria, looking
him full in the face. rBo7 !
Stevens turned pale, and his lips quiy.
cred with rage, and the anger OF her
father scarcely knew bounds. For a mo-
ment, he did not answer her. At length
pointing his finger at Stevens, he enqlired
-iAnd what do you know Of his eharact-
Enough to convince me mywords were
true answered Maria. d'sal s1i -n1la9,
my daughter said Mr.. Grafton as.
Stunning a milder tone, though you may
have heard reports unfavorable 10 Mr..
Stevens, believe me, they are without
foundation. He is one of the weahhiesl
men in the city, i.sW 1et S Z
He may be all that you think he is,
said Maria. but | cannot marry him.
You may go to your chamber, said her
iather, Il am determined Henry Stevens
shall be my son-in law and you must mar.
~ him or quit my house. Twill neither
own OF support an ungraietul daughter.
Tomorrow | shall expect yeur answer.
Maria knew too well the character oil
her father to make any reply. A crisis
had arrived which she had Tor some days
feared she knew that her refusal of Ste.
yens would bring down the wrath Of heI
father on her head. and bad written &c
both her sisters. stating the circumstances
and requesting. in case her father should
drive her frpm ths house the privilege O.
enaining for short time with them.
Contrary to her expectation, they refused
her. Their husbands had married them
more o. account Of the wealth Of theiu