Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-10-20
Stlettto CALF.
ORIGIN AND DESTINY.

Among those who aSpired TO the hand of
Laura Woodylle, was a young man named
Percival whose father, poor dav-laborer had,
by seit-ieniai through many years, succeeded
in giving him an education beyOnd what was
usually acquired at that time by those in the
lower walks of life. When sixteen years Of
ace, an attorney Of some eminence, who per-
ccived in the lad more than ordinary ability
took him into his office, and raised him to the
profession of the law. At the time of which
~ write. Percival, who was twenty-five years
DID, had already gained some reputation at the
bar having conducted to Il successful issue Sc
yeral very important cases.
Mr. Woodyille, TO the hand of whose daugh-
ter. as has Just been said. Percigal aSpired. was
a merchant in rather reduced circumstances,
but connected with certain families more dis
tnguiShed for ari>tocratic pride than virtue
This connection was the more valued in con-
sequence of the loss of wealth through diSas-
tcrS in trade, and the inability to keep up those
external appearances which dazzle the multi
iude and eXtort homage that is grateful to
weak minds.
Laura, beautiful and highly accomplished
girl. was a favorte in all circles. and there
were many among the wealthy and fashionable,
who for her personal attractions alone were
ready 10 approach and offer the homage of
sincere affection. Among these was a Young
nan named Allison. whose family had, in the
eyes Of Mr.. Woodville, everything to render n
marriage connexion desirable But Lanra ne
Yer encouraged his advances in the least for
she fet for him a strong internal repulSion-
He Was wealthy, accomplished, attractive in
I@7>ou, aud connected. both on his fathers and
nNihcr> side. sith some of the oldest. and So
S,ed e best families in the State" These.
however. were not, in her eyes, attractions suf-
N adently strong TO induce her to overlook quail
NJ ie$ Of the heart Already in her contact with
NJ tae world had she been made TO feel its hollow
le& and selfish cruelty For something more
Dan mere fashionable Establishments had her
aeart begun to yearn She felt that a true
IL. vrtGouS friend was a treasure beyond all
81 yrce
While this state of mind was in progress
AAc'a met Henry Perrivai 4 mutual regard
II sAS soon developed. which increased until it
E'Sme deep and sincere affection. In the
-eaatlme Allison confident from his position
t'Aale boder in his advances, and as a pre-
mary step, gave WOodvilie an intimation of
eS NeTS The old merchant heard him glad
Hi I aad Yielded full prosecution of his suit
'1' leFceiFng what was in the mind of the
'1aS man. Laura Shrunk from him, and met
: a> advances with q chilling reserve that
~ loi Tor an instant 10 be misunderstood
= Toe meantime. Percival daily gained new
= y" 10 her eyeS. and was at length embolden-
:, declare what was in his heart With
-E'acealed pleasure Laura referred the young
her father. As TO the iS>ne of the re-
"'e she had wel-grounded fears
u. day that followed this declaration was
AnnouS suspense TO Laara. She was
- Ate IA the afternoon, when her father
- - A'o the room where she was sitting. She
instantly what was in his mind there was
-, N on his face, and she knew that he had
'EeSrd her lover.
!, Laura, said he gravely, as he sat down by
49, was exceedingly surprised and
- - To-day TO receive from Young upStart
OF whose family no one has ever heard,
~ s" 'o' Your hand, made, as was affirmed,
M :.-s consent Surely this affirmation was
80 Nsep crimson flushed the face of Laura,
-: - 'eA 10 the floor, aud she exhibited signs
sESaS agitation.
E,,,.Sl ~ nay not be aware continued Mr.
Nj reS'.'..e, ..' that Mr.. Allison has been to NE
NJ. = SIMILAR a- APPLICATION
= NJ Allison =
l. $, y:e> o. Laura were raised quickly from
sss.s 4, %aa her manner exhibited the repug