Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-08-15

Let Every Girl Choose Her Own
TX uSband.

Sealed in a pleasant chamber was a
young lady; the daughter Of one of the
most aristocratic merchants i'm New
England. He had risen from obscurily,
and by course--though not strictly
honest--yet in accordance with the prac-
tice of some of the other merchants in
the country, had amassed large amount
of property. With him wealth was ey.
ery,hing. he knew nothing of happiness,
save when j, was considered in the scale
Of dollars and cents; and it only needed
that man was wealthy, no matter by
what mfans he becomes so, TO ensure
him respect.
His residence was but a few miles
from Boston and it was one of the most
beautiful in that city. No pains had
been spared to make il worthy of no.
iiee--sor Mr.. Grafton was a man fond
of praise. His youngest daughter Ma.
ria, was now the only child remaining
at home. Two sons 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 mex, 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 par
lor. When she descended she found
he was accompanied by man named
Stevens; who had sometime previous Of
fered his hand to Maria, but not content
with her refusal and knowing The attach.
ment Of her father TO 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 presenting Mr.. Sle-
vens, and informed her that il was his
wish that she should accept him as her
future husband.
Maria informed her father that she
had rejected Mr.. Stevens once, and that
eSenif she loved him, which she was very
certain that she did not, her own judg-
gmeut taught her better than to risk her
happiness in his hands.
.What do you know Of lovc!" said
Mr.. Grafton, "and why are you unwil-
ling to risk your happiness with him!-
His wealth is sufficient TO procure you
every comfort, and his character"
"Infamous!" interrupted Maria, look
ing him fully in the face.
Stevens turned pale and his lips quiv-
cred with rage. and the anger Of her
father scarcely knew no bounds. For
moment he did not answer her. Al
length pointing his finger a. Stevens he
enquired-"And what do you know Of
his character!''
Enough TO convince me that my
words were true, - answered Maria.
my Daughter" said Mr.. Grafton,
assuming a milder tone, ..though you
may have heard reports unfavorable to
Mr.. Stevens, believe me--they are in
deed without foundation. He is one Of
The wealshicst men in The city,"
HE may be all that you may think
he is, said Maria, .'but cannot marry
him, nor WON'T
"You may 60 to your chamber said
her father, II am determined Henry Sie-
yens shall be my son-in-law. and you
must marry him or quit my house. !
will neither own nor support an migrate
tul daughter. Tomorrow j shall ex-
pecs your answer"
Maria knew too well the character Of
her father, 10 make any reply. A crisis
had arrived which she had for some days
feared. She knew the refusal Of Ste-
yens would bring down the wrath Of her
iather on her head, and had written TO
both her sisters stating the circumstances.
and requesting, in case the father should