Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-10-20


! Woodville, really disturbed "Will you dis
grace yourself and family by a union with a
vulgar upstart from the lower ranks, when an
alliance SO distinguished as this is offered 3
| Who is Percival Where is he from? What
| is his origin ?"
regard rather his destiny than his orr
gin" replied the daughter, 81 for that concerns
me far more dearly than the other | shall
have to tread the way my husband goes and
not the way he has come The past is
past. In the future lies my happiness or
| misery"
Are you beside yourself ?" exclaimed he
rather losing his sef-eommand before the ra-
tional calmnesS of his child.
No, father" replied Laura, "not beside
myself. In the principles that govern Mr..
Allison | have no confidence, and it is mans
principle that determines the path he is to
tread in life. On the other hand, have the
fullest confidence in those of Mr. Percival, and
know where they will lead him. This is
matter in which | cannot look back to see
from whence the person has come everything
depends on knowledge as to where he is go
ing"
do you know" said Mr.. Woodville. not
| giving the words of his child the smallest con-
sideration, that the father of this fellow, Per
cival, was day-labOrer in one of Mr. AlliSon's
manufacturing establishments ! A mere day
| laborer ?"
| i have heard as much. Was he not an
honest and honorable man ?"
Madness, girl y calculated Mr.. Woodville
at this question, still further losing his sef-con-
troll " Do you think that | am going to see
my child who has the blood of the P--'s,
and Rs, and W-s in her veins, min
/ gle it with the vile blood of a common labor
er? You have been much in error, if, for
moment You have indulged in the idle dream
l positively forbid all intercourse with this
man Perciyal. Do not not diSobey me, or the
consequence TO yourself will be of the saddest
kind"
As her father cased speaking, Laura rose
weeping and left the room
A deep calm succeeded to this sudden storm
that had fallen from a summer sky But it was
Indicative of a heavy aud more devastating
Storm- Laura communicated 10 Perciva the
fact of her painful interview with her father,
and at the same time gave him TO understand
that no change in his views was to be expected
and that to seek TO effect change would only
he TO place himself in the way of rcpuSe aud
Insult Both of these the young man had al
ready received.
L few months later and fully avowing her
purpose, Laura left the house of her parents
and became the wife of Percival 4 step like
this Is never taken without suffering Some
times II is wisely, but oftener unwiSely taken
but never without pain In this case the pain
on both sides was severe. Mr. Woodyille lOY-
ed his daughter tenderly, and she felt for her
father more than common attachment But
he was proud and selfish man. The mar
riage of Laura not only disappointed aud NOR
tilted, but made him angry beyond all reason
and self-control. Ia the bitterness of his feel
ingS he vowed never to look upon her nor for
give her. 1t was all in vain. therefore that his
daughter sought reconciliation, she met only
q stern repuise.
Years went by, and it remained the same
Many times during that long period did Laura
approach her old home. but only to be repulS-
ed. At last she was startled and afflicted with
the sad news of her mothers death In the
sudden anguish of her feelings she hurried to
her fathers house. As she stood with others
who had gathered around gazing upon the life
less form of her dead parent she became aware
that the living one had entered the room. and
10 all appearance, unconscious of her presence,
was standing by her side. A tremor went
through her frame. She felt faint and ready
TO drop TO the floor. In this season of deep
affection might he not forgive the past Hope
sprung up within her. In the presence of the
dead he could not throw her off She laid her
hand gently on his He turned Her tear
full eyes were lifted in his face 4 moment
Of thrilling suspense Pride and anger con
quered again. Without a sign of recognition
he turned away and left the chamber of
death
Bracing herself up with an intense struggle,
Laura pressed her lips 10 the cold brow OF her
mother, and then silently retired.
During the time that interviewed from his
marriage up to this period Mr. Percival had
been gradually rising in the confidence, respect
and esteem of this community and was acquir-
ing wealth through means of large practice
! at the bar. As q husband he had proved most
kind and affcctionate As man he was the
very Soul of honor. All who knew him held
him in the highest regard.
After the death of his wife. Mr. Weoiville
fell into gloomy state of mind His business,
which had been declining for years, was be-
coming less and less profitable. and 20 increase
his trouble, he found himself progressing rapid
ly toward embarrassment if not bankruptcy
The man whom of all Others he had wished TO
see the husband of his daughter, married q
| beautiful heireSs, and was living in q style of
great elegance. He met the brilliant bride
occasionally and always with an unpleasant
| feeling.
One day while walking with a gentleman,
they passed Allison, when his companion re
marked -
If that man does not break his wife's heart
within FIVE years | shall think she has few Of
woman's best and honest feelings"
Why do You say that = asked Woodyille,
evincing much surprise
In the first place, replied the friend, . a
man with bad principles is not the one TO make
| A rirbt-minded woman happv. And. in the Sc