The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-12-04
MISCELLANEOUS.

ROMANCE OF LIFE IN New YORK THAT IS
NO FIcrIoN.-A wealthy gentleman, whom we
shall call Mr.. A, had young and lovely daugh-
ter, an only child, just turned sixteen, upon
whom his tondest hopes and warmest affections
were centered, as the companion and solace of
his widowed life. Circumstances reuuirinr
his frequent absence from the city, he had
permitted his daughter to pass her weekly vaca-
tons from school with friends here, whom We
shall call Mr. and Mrs. B, who resided uptown,
In one of our fashionable neighborhoods.
The young lady became acquainted, accident
ally, with young man, whom we shall call
Mr.. Z, who also resided in this city.
The beauty and destinations of Miss A soon
captivated him, and Mr.. C became frequent
visiter at the house where she passed her vaca-
tions-so frequent that Mr. B felt it his duty 10
apprize Mr.. of the circumstance, lest any
responsibility Of the consequences might rest
upon him or his family.
Mr.. A Immediately fastened to the city, and,
seeking an interview with the young man, for
babe any further attentions to his daughter,
which, after some hesitation, Mr.. promised
to observe upon the receipt Of $1,000. The
sum was promptly paid him, and for a few
weeks the matter was apparently disposed Of
Miss A remained at the house of her friends,
n. -.
as well as the little episode which had occurred
in her youthful history. Judge of the surprise
of her friends, on her informing them, one fine
morning, that she had been married three DAYS
previously, and that Mr.. G was her husband
The ceremony had been performed at the
residence of a fashionable clergyman, and she
had returned directly to the house of her friends,
not having since seen her husband. Mr.. A,
who was absent at the South, was Immediately
telegraphed to repair to this city, and his an
guish on being informed of what had occurred
may be imagined.
An interview with the young man satisfied
him that it was useless to appeal to his heart
or his head, and he therefore appealed TO his
pocket, demanding how much money would
induce him to sign a release of his marital
rights, and relinquish forever all claims to the
young lady. The husband was disinclned to
name a sum, and very cooly asked the agoniz-
ed father how much it would be worth to him
to have his daughter back again2 "Four
thousand dollars" exclaimed Mr.. A, {" will
cheerfully give you, which, with one thousand
already paid, makes five thousand dollars, TO
which you are welcome, if you will now restore
me my child" The husband assented.
The three drove at once to a lawyers office,
where it was found that it would require some
hours to prepare the papers, and it was agreed
that the three should meet at 10 O'Clock the
next morning, at the same Office, to sign the
documents-the money, meanwhile, being paid
to Mr.. c, and his word of honor given to ex-
ecHte the release.
At nine o'clock the next morning, Mr.. C drove
to the door of Mr.. b, inquired for Mr.. A, and
demanded his wife She, hearing of his being
there, entered the room, and in the face Of the
violated agreement, the payment of the heavy
forfeit, the agony of her desolate father, and
the warning of her friends, went away with her
misunderstanding Post.