Oroville daily Butte record., 1856-12-09
Omuills Bully 8ntte Rerarh.
MARY ELTON.
A TALE OF wILKsBARRE.

VOnSt "hN'"NNN 49, ''NH
piness'
My mind had become so engrosscd
with the cnthralling passion which pos
sessed me, that | could not pay that
strict attention to business which is so
necessary to attain success in the legal
profession. The reputation had
gained during the first six months Of
my practice was rapidly waning for
the want Of exertion on my part; and
at length opened my eyes to the in
iudlciousness, if not folly, Of my course.
There were obstacles to our union |
had not heretofore reflected upon. The
object of my affection was the daugh-
ter ola wealthy father; | must be
the architect Of my own fortune.
Would it be right, would it be honora-
bic, to draw her down to my own lev
el of poverty, with the bare prospect
that my industry aud talents would one
day open the way to fame and opu'
lence? And .hen, even should | over
come my present scruples, would Mr..
Elton be willing to give his daughters
hand to one who had nothing TO offer
in return but the poor pittancc of pro-
fessional ambiti II and world Of good
intentions Reason answered, No I!
And yet, how could | for moment
release the jewel that had SO cnchain-
ed me. "The spirit parting with the
soul" could not offer half the measure
of suffering that separation from the
idol of my heart would produce. Hon
or and duty dictated the course which
prudence sanctioned; love and aifcc-
TONED lured me on in the current
which the heart approved. | decided
on the moment, to sink the latter con-
sideration, and resolved to acquaint
Mary, at our next meeting, with my
reflections, and beg to be forgotten.
But, alas for humrn weakness !
When next we met, our hearts out
pourings were as deeply imbued with
love as they had been in our most
thoughtless days. When | said:
"Mary. I fear our positions in life
are too widely different to permit the
hope of union"
She replied: "Positions different,
Henry What matters it how differ
ent our worldly positions may be, so
long as our hearts are united by IA con-
genial sympathy. Oh, Henry, you
have known me to little purpore if you
have vet to learn that no worldly con-
sideration can come between you and
my love !"
"You misunderstood me, Mary; I
mean, your fathers intentions would
be an insupcrablo obstacle to our
union"
"Fear not, dear Henry. He will
love you because [ love YOU. lie will
but see in our union the mutual hap
piness of his children, and gladly avail
himself of the opportunity to sanction
it. Although he has many eccentrici-
ties, he nevertheless possesses warm
and noble heart"
"Let us, then, 90 to him at once,
Mary, declare our love, and ask his
blessing" said I, transported by the
enthusiasm of my well beloved.
We quickly threaded our way to Mr.
Elton's residence, and entered his
stately mansion. We found him seat
ed in his study, and | was kindly, ii
not cordially, received by him.
Mr.. Elton was person Of imposing
presence. Past the meridian of lie,
with form unusually erect, he wore
an air approximating to arlstocra'ic
stiffness. His features, though prom
lnent aad innexible, appeared hand
some and intelligent. | said he re-
ceived me kindly, but yet-perhnps IT
was the consciousness of the audaci!y
of my errand made me think SOL INA
gined | saw a degree of severity in hl'
countenance when he bade me be seat
ed that augured i'll for the success o
my interview.
| attempted several times to ope:
the subject to him, but my heart tai
tered, | lacked the neral courage