The Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1846-1852, 1847-07-23
Selected Gale.
MARIA ~GRAFTON;
Or, Let every Girl choose her own
HuGband.


Husband.
Seated in a pleasant chamber was a
young lady, the daughter of one of the
most aristocratic merchants of New Eng
land. He had risen from ~obscurity,
and by a course--though not strictly hon
est--yet in accordance with the practice
of some of the wealthiest merchants in
the country, had amassed a large amount
of property. With him wealth was eve
rything, he knew nothing Of happiness,
save when it was considered in the scale
ofdollars and cents; and it was only need
ed that a man be wealthy, nc matter by
what means, he becomes so, to ensure
his respect.
His residence was but a few miles from
Boston, and it was one of the most beau
tiful in that city. No pains had been
spared to make it worthy of n~otice--for
Mr.. Grafton was a man fond of praise.
His youngest daughter Maria, was now
the only child remaining at home. Two
sons on whom he had placed his hopes
for the perpetuation of his family name,
and on whom he had designed to bestow
a 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 to his money.
Sad were the thoughts of the fair 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 decended she found he was
accompanied by a man named Stevens,
who had sometime previous offered his
hand to Maria, but not contented with
her refusal, and knowing the attachment
of her father to wealth, had called him TO
his aid. Maria raised her eyes as she en-
termed the room, but as % as she saw
Stevens, turned her head and seated her
self by the window. Her father address
ed her, presenting Stevens, and inform
ed her that it was his wish that she should
accept of him as her future husband.
Maria informed her father that she had
rejected Mr.. Stevens once, and that eve
en- did she love him, which she did not,
her own judgment taught her better than
to risk her happiness in his hands,
"What do you know of lOve?' said Mr..
Grafton, "and why are you unwilling to
risk your happiness with himl His
wealth is sufficient TO procure you every
comfort, and his character is"
"IgfamouS!" interrupted Maria, look
ing him full in the face.
Stevens turned pale and his lips quiv
cred with rage, and the anger of her ia
Their scarcely knew bounds. For a mo.
ment he did not answer her. At length
pointing his finger at Stevens he inquir
ed--"And what do You know of his char
a%cterl"
Enough to convince me that my words
were true" answered Maria.
"My daughter" said Mr.. Grafton, as
Stunning a milder tone, though you may
have heard reports unfavorable to MIR
Stevens, believe me--tbey are e%ntirel.
without foundation. He is one of the
wealthiest men in the city"
"He may be all that you think he is
said Maria, "but cannot marry him."
"You may go TO your chamber" SAT-
her father, II am determined Henry Ste
vens shall be my son-in-law, and yor
must marry him or quit my house. l wi
neither own or support an ungratefu
t daughter. Tomorrow l shall expec
: your answer"
, Maria knew too well the character o
her father, to make any reply. A crisi
, had arrived which she had for some day
feared. She knew that the refusal {
Stevens would bring down the wrath c
her father on her head, and had write
to both her sisters stating the circumstan
r ces, and requesting, in case her fathe
, should drive her from the house, the priv
: ilege of remaining for a short time wit
them. Contrary to her expectation the,
refused her. Their husbands had maj
ried them more on account of the wealt'
of their father than any affection they ha
felt for them, and they feared ifthey CAV
Maria a home, their father would disir
herit them. Such.is he effect wealth ha
on the affections.
Maria after retreating to her chambe
Q and giving vent to a flood of tears, delit
Grated on what course to pursue. On
b thing was certain, she determined not
r marry Stevens. The next thing was ho'
should she obtain a living! After thinl
: ing of the matter sometime, she said
herself-"Well, l have a good constit'
ton and can labor; but how would it az
pear for the daughter of the rich M
-, Grafton to go about the city solicitin
employment" At this moment she re
Of collected having heard one of the house
maids speak of being employed in a fa'
p tory, and she hastily decended to ii
i. kitchen.
ID "Hannah,' said she addressing the gin
g. II heard you a few days since speak
10 working in a factory-how did you lik
it them"
20, l liked it very much, Miss Mari
'r and should have remained there had N
health been good"
"Was the work harder than your wol
herel" inquired Maria.
mo ma'am, | don'tthink it was, but
was more con6ning,"
"Will you tell me where it was2" aga
% inquired Maria.
IS The girl gave her the required info
" ~