Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-10-23

constituent"
Eyes, father, j d."
And pray, who is it,"
Gerald Cole"
Ii Mr.. Duboise was astonished before.
ne was Annderstruck with surprise now.
The aristocratic merchant lifted up his
hands IN horror at the very thought Of
his daughter condescending even 10 utter
the name Of such a nobody, a mechanic
and fireman, as Gerald Cole.
Despite her position, Blanche Duboise
could not be amused at the. wonder de-
pIcted on the countenace of her father, as
she mentioned the name Of the one she
loved. Such a suspicion had never enter
ed the noddle Of the wealthy man. At
last ne found his tongue again:
Blanche Daboise mention that name
again, and you are no daughter Of mine.
To think that you could stoop 50 low as
even to notice such a person as this Cole,
is a disgrace to you and your family
The daughter of a millionaire in love
with a mechanic and fireman? Prepos,
ferrous I"
Mr.. Pursy Duboise thought so but his
pretty daughter, Blanche, saw nothing
preposterous in it. True, Gerald Cole
was a fireman, but she thought that an
honor, instead of a badge Of ignomY.-
They were a noble body of men ever
ready to sacrifice their own health, hap,
plness, ease-aye, and life, in saving prop
erty and lives of their fellows. Where
duty called them, there they went, regard
less OF the danger and the labor. Besides
all this, Gerald Cole was no common me.
chanic. He has already won fame as an
inventor, and his genius had been ac-
knowled by men OF science, aud his future
ras Aeeksd fcnAeara-t to with interest. by
those who labor to advance the interests
Of. the human race. That her father
knew this, Blanche had no doubt. He
had mentioned the name, but never the
daughters. How could he call Gerald
Cole a " nobody" when conscious of his
genius, Blanche could not understand
The pride OF birth and wealth had not
crusted her heart over with the scales
that encased he heart of her father whose
only offerings were at the idols shrine.
Her eyes, as yet, had not boen dazzled
by the glitter Of station, and then the
pomp and circumstances" Of wealth.
Hence she could not see or feel as her
father felt and saw.
Gerald Cole a nobody" and why ~.
she felt constrained to ask.
docs he move in the circles which
you do p bn
Blanche confessed he did not.
us he rich and respected z"
Rich he is not in this worlds goods !:
but he is rich in genius-riches which do
not take to themselves wings and fly
away. Respected he may not be by those
who shine in circles Of fashion, but by
those who reverence true worth and who
honor talent, even though found in the
bosom of a mechanic, he is respected and
esteemed" e
Blanche paused. She felt that she had
entered into quite a defence for Gerald.
Perhaps IN her eagerness to controyert|
her father, she had transgressed the
bounds of maiden ~modesty. But a MOI
ments thought exonorates her from the
charge, and she waited whatever her faith
er had to make. 4
ait is useless for you to continue in
your strain OF communication, Blanche.
| tell you you must obey me. Arthur
Grey has spoken to me upon the subject
and my decision has been given him.
lie comes tonight to hear it from your
own lips. See to it, that it conforms
with mine, or you go forth to the world
my daughter no longer. Your love for
Gerald Cole is as ridiculous as your ideas
OF wealth and responsibility. Twill have
OF it. Understand me, for this con
versatioh-already extended beyond resas-
on, must never be renewed again. The
duty yc4 W. to your father is one not
to be gigatly cast aside. The child oaoes
an obedience to the parent which no 9th
er consideration can outweigh. And qour
duty is made plain. Remember that you
act Ia accordance with it, 8aH
Mr.. Duboise moved towards the door.
Blanche fell at his tcet and cried as she
clasped his hands.
Add is there no other way? Must
love be sacrificed to duty? Oh father,
please, pause before you consign me to a
worse than living death. ~
But Mr.. Duboise released his hands,
and, as he raised her up, and bid her
stand aside, added
! study your happiness in what ! do.
Your life is a bubble that.will soon break.
Your duty should make love to yield to
the wishes Of your father, TO. whom you
owe life, station and power a99
Blanche Duboise is alone in her room.
IN her hand is the uinatule Of a young
man whose high forehead and clear eyes
betoken genius and strength Of mind
On the table BY her side is q package Of
letters tied with a blue ribbon.
Inc miniature is the likeness Of Gerald
Cole, and the PACKAGE of letters are those
she has received from time to time of
him. =geaa \
She is weighing the chances. Will
Love triumph, or will Duty conquer?
She is reneatinp the final words oe har