American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-02-09
EDITH. THE FACTORY GIRL.
BY ELLEN ASHTON.

stands a pleasant village with a pic.
turesque nillpond and factory. Three
summers ago, this hamlet was the tenn
porary residence of two young men, who
were apparently artists, as their chief
occupation seemed to consist in sketc h.
ing the scenery of the nei ighborhood,
which was celebrated for its beauty
Their arrival had created quito a stir a.
mong the villagers, for they had Ger.
tain dignity of manner that made them
to be looked up TO, and many a pretty
factory girl as she TIPPED to her work
cast look over her shoulder, if she met
either of the handsome strangers.
! Though the society OF the village was
unusually intelligent, and the females
wero remarkable for lovelincss, there
was one famed beyond the rest, both
in mi nd and person, sweet Edith Ma
ther. She was an orphan, without sis.
ter or brother. and lived with an aged
. aunt, whom she chiefly supported by
her labor in the factory. Edith was
popular with every one. She was so
gentle, consderate, and kind, that even
those who first envicd, at last learned
to love her. The younger of tho two
artists, whom we shall call Lowell, soon
became interested in this sweet Great
ure; at least if looks, tones, and a con-
stant seeking other presence were any
proofhe was thus Interested.
Que day he and his friend Chamber
cd up some rocks on the steep hill side
from which the village was overlooked;
and as they sat there, the bell Of the
factory rang, and the green was imme.
diately covered with girls employed in
winding their way thilher after dinner.
Among them it was easy to recognize
the light and graceful form of Edith.
is she not beautiful Where can
you show mo form so slyph-like?'
said Lowell, with undisguised enthusi-
asm.
His companion made no reply for a
moment, but then abruptly remarked,
Il think it is time to leave tits wiz
lage.' .l.rr t.........
Because if you do not, you will have
that girl in love with you. Your ad.
mIration is evident to all her friends,
and you are too honorable to hold out
hopes you never intend TO fulfil
Hold out hopes never intend to full
fig ....r ...
Yes for you don't think of marrying
that girl do youP
TO be sure
| The deuce you do said his compan-
ion starting to his feet in unaffected as
tonishment.
Lowell INDUCED in hearty laugh
and then asked, why not?'
why not? Why for q thousand
reasons. She is only a factory girl, a
lady of neither birth nor education, but
a simple lass, very good in her way, on.
ly no match for Fred Lowell. Think of
presenting her to your fashionable friends
in town Mono it will never do
Shake off this love fit, pack up your
trunk, and let's be off Tomorrow
Lowell shook his head.
Il am, perhaps little more romantic
man than you are Harry he said, but
have some common sense, and | think
| have brought it TO bear upon this
question. We have now been here a
month. in which time | havo become
pretty we'll acquainted with Edith.
left town--we both left it, heartily sick
OF frivoliIies: and on my part with the
firm opinion that knew no woman in
our set. there whom | would be willing
to make my wife. The city girls are so
frivolous, so fond Of parties. so eager
for wealthy alliances, aud really so ig.
norant of household affairs, that for a
man OF taste To marry one of them would
be folly. | am not so fond Of gay life.
think it wastes too much precious time
and | want therefore one who will be-
come domestic, and not involve me in q
round Of balls aud other entertainments.
donOt wish to be hermit; few friends
are great blessing, and ] shall always
be glad to gather around circle of the
right kind; but promiscuous fashionable
visiting deest. Now, think have
found just the partner | require in Miss
Mather. She is well informed, agrea.
Bile. simple in her tastes, has sound
sense, Of personal beauty, and if mis-.
take not the power ofloving very deep
ly. If marry her, and take her to the
city, bor intuitve tact---and she has this
in remarkable degree--will soon sup.
! ply any deficiency in manner. In short
do not know where could make a
better choice
How when she has no accomplish.
ments"
'She can sing with untaught grace;
and as for jabbering French, I don't
know how tha; would make her better.
She would soon learn too, with her
quick parts. Besides care more to
have wife usofolly informed, than to
have one possessing only supeiicia ac.
complshments'
But her family Recollect who
your grandfather was
| And who was hers worthy di.
wine, poor grant, but ostimablo. BE.