Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-12-12
from tLe CIlicaSo Tlmcs
:rEa POSTAGE STAMP.
IS - ~ 80 -

= Unsn what small gevents dees the happiness,
sud even existence of individuals, often de-
reud! Some years ago, there lived ina small
interior town in Ohio1a young woman then
but tfteeu wears of age. She WAS the hciress
of large fortune held by trustees. The viii
of her father strictly enjoined upon her that
she was not to marry until after she had ter
minated her twsnty-frst year. He had en-
forced this iajuncJion by strong and earnest
ag,aals TO her affection and By reminding her
Of the untirncly death Of two elder sisters who
had been married young. and had died child
less shortly after. But, with most prophetic
judgement OF her future lot, he had added
still stronger inducement 10 obtain her COM
t,liauce with his request. He had stipulated
that, in case Of her death or marriage before
attaining the prescribed age, the trustees
should By deed convey Ill his estate 20 some
distant relative. The young and handsome
girl soon found herself the attractive object
Of the attentions the devOtioHs. and the i'm
poriulit.ss Of score of young men OF the
refsl.Fo~hood She was aware Of the provis-
Ions Of her. iati,ers will. and honestly intended
to comply with his 50 fervently expressed
wist; but so0n-too soon, indced-Tas that
Injunction to appear harsh, unkind, unfortu-
nate, unreasonable.
Three years after her fathers death, she
then being eighteen years of age, she became
acquainted. at a festive party, with an indi-
vfdCai uoon whose honor, faith and manliness
her destiny was from that hour to depend.-
He knew her as s fair, accomplished girl, and
as an heiress OF half million. He was but
visitor at that town. He remained there but
Il few weeks, but during that time succeeded
too we'll in leaving highly favorable impress
sion OF his worth upon the heart OF the lady,
lie returned in one month, announcing his ln-
tention to reside in that village The vanity,
not criminal, but natural vanity of the woman
was gratiGed; she recognized in this voluntary
abandonment of his former home and friends,
=, take Up his residence there, tribute from
lis heart TO her owa personal and mental at
teaction. He failed not in soon confirming
that belief, and in protestations Of deep aztec
ton, and urged the inevitable life OF wretch
e6ncss ne would endure in case of her reJec-
tioa, as well as .by, the display Of all the OUT
ward accomplishments and bearing Of Il gen
tleR.an, woR lIer love, and obtained from hera
promise Of Z is.arriage. These proceedings
had been secret, and were entirely unknown
10 ller guardian, with whom she resided. The
betrothmeat was soon followed by an urgent
REQUEST for marriage. Ia her hour of blissful
communion with her lover, She had almost
forgotten her fathers command. 1t now came
uDon her with sudden and bitter force. She
answered the proposal of marriage by stating
thai hef fathers dying command was that she
should not marry till twenty one. This he
net with ridiculing the fears and superstitions
o. : too anxious parent, and holding out to
her the alternative ofobeying an unreasonable
request of a deceased parent, made when 9
c4lld and when her capacity for forming
paae4r alliance could not be determined, OF
the distress, ruin, madness of true and nom
est heart which could not exist if separated
from her. Is e4a
The next objection met with more serlou;
consideration. She told him that she could
not obtain her property till she was of full age
Though fhis was unexpected, and did not a