Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1855-07-24
EVENING STAR,
ORIGIN AND DESTINY.

IN giving him an education beyond what ives
usually acquired at that time by those in the
lower walks of life. When sixteen years of
age, an attorney of some eminence who per-
ceived 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
we write, Percival, who was twenty-five wears
old, had already gained some reputation at
the bar having conducted to a successful issue
several very important cases.
Mr.. WOOdville, to whose daughter, as has
just been said, Percival aspired, was a mer-
chant in rather reduced circumstances but
connected with certain families more distin-
guished for aristOcratic pride than virtue.
This connection was the more valued in
consequence of the loss of wealth through
disasters in trade, and the inability to keep
up those external appearances which dazzle
the multitude and extGrt a homage that is
grateful to weak minds.
Laura, a beautiful and highly accomplished
girl, was favorite in all circles, and there
were many among the wealthy and fashionable
who for her personal attractions alone, were
ready to approach and offer the homage Of
sincere affection. Among these was 4 young
man named Allison, whose family had, in the
eyes of Mr. WOodville, everything to render a
marriage cOuneXion desirable. But Laura
never encouraged his advances in the least;
for she felt for him strong internal repusion.
person. and connected, both on his fathers
and mothers side, with some of the Oldest
ard 40 called best families in the State.
These, however, were not, in her eyes, at
fractions sufficiently strong TO induce her to
overlook qualities of the heart Already in
her contact with the world had she been
made to feel its hollowness and selfish cruelty
For something more than mere fashionable
Establishments had her heart begun to yearn.
She felt that true and virtuOus friend was a
treasure beyond all price.
While in this state of mind, Laura WoOdyille
met Henry Percival. A mutual regard was
soon developed, which increased until it became
1 deep and sincere affection. In the mean
time, Allison, confident from his position. be-
came boider in his advances and as preliln.
mary step, gave WOOdville an intimatiOn Of
his views. The old merchant he arI him glad L.
ly and yielded n full prosecution Of his suit
But perceiving what was in the mind of the
young man, Laura shrunk from him, and all
his advances with chilling reserve that was
not for an instant to be misunderstood. In
the meantime, Percival daily gained new fa-
vOr in her eyes, and was az length cmboldened
to declare what was in his heart. With i'll
concealed pleasure Laura referred the young
man to her father. As to the issue Of the refer
encc, she had we'll grounded fears.
The day that followed this declaration was
one OF anxious suspense 10 Laura She was
alone, late in the afternoon, when her father
came into the room where she was sitting
She saw instantly what was in his mind; there
was cloud on his face, and she knew that he
had repulsed her lover.
Laura" said he, gravely, as he sat down
by her side, . was exceedingly surprised and
panied to-day to receive from a young upstart
attorney, of whose family no one has ever
heard, an offer for your hand, made, IA affirm
ed, with your consent. Surely this affirma-
tiOn was not true %
A deep crimson flushed the face of Laura
her eyes fell to the floor, and she exhibited
signs of strong agitation.
- You may not be aware" continued Mr..
Woodville, that Mr.. Allison has been to me
with similar application.
- Mr.. Allison"
The eyes Of Laura were raised quickly from
the floor, and her manner exhibited the re-
pugnance she felt.
s. can never look upon Mr.. Allison as more
than friend, she said calmly.
Laura, has it indeed come to this ?" said
Mr. WeOdville, really disturbed viii YOU
disgrace yourself and family by union with
a vulgar upstart from the lower ranks, when
an alliance SO distinguished as this is offered
Who is Percival? Where is he from? What
is hi' origin 20
- regard rather his destiny than his ori-
gin, replied the daughter, " for that concerns
me far more dearly than the other 1 shall
have to tread the way my husband goes, and
not the way he has done. The past is past In
the future lies my happiness or misery
- Are you beside yourself! 2" exclaimed he,
rather losing his self-cOmmand before the ra-
tional calmness Of his child.
No, father" replied Laura, s' 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
Irpa1 in lifa OT no or fhar hand H.
fullest confidence in those of Mr.. Percival. and
know whore they will lead him. This is a
matter in which L cannot look back to see from
whence the person has come; everything
depends on a knowledge us to where he is
going"
do you know said Mr. WoodvilIe, not
giving the words of his child the smallest con-
sideration, :" that the father Of this fellow,
PerciVal, was day laborer in one of Mr.. Al
lison's manufacturing establishments A mere
day laborer?"
Il have heard as much. Was he not an
honest and honorable man? ?''
Madness, girl - calculated Mr.. WoodYille
at this question, still further losing his self
control. . Do you think that l am going to
see my child, who has the blood of the P-'s
and Rs and W-'s in her veins, mingIe
it with the vile blood Of common Iaborer
You have been much in error, if, for mo-
ment you have INDUCED in the idle dream-I
positively forbid all intercourse with this Per-
cival. Do not disobey me or the conse-
quence TO yourself will be of the saddest
kind -
As her father ceased speaking, Laura rose
weeping, and left the room.
a deep calm succeeded to this sudden storm
that had fallen from this summer sky. But it
was indicative of a heavy and more devas-
tating storm. Laura communicated to Perci-
val the fact OF her painful interview with her
father, and at the same time gave him to un-
derstand that 10 change in his views was to
be expected, and that TO seek to effect change
would only be to place himself in the way Of
repulse and insult. Both Of these the young
man had already received.
A few months later, and fully avowing her
purpose, Laura left the house of her parents
and became the wife of Percival. A step like
this is never taken without suffering. Some
times it is wisely, but oftener unwisely taken,
but never without pain. In this case the pain
on both sides was severe. Mr.. Woodville
loved his daughter tenderiy, and she felt for
her father more than common attachment
BuC he WAS n proud and selfish man Tho