Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1858-02-17

"You may go to your chamber, sale
the father; 81 m determined that Hen
~ Stevens shall be my son in-law, anC
you must marry him or quit my house
| will neither own nor support an un
grateful and disobedient daughter. To
m ,rrow shall expect your answer
Maria knew tco well the character O
her father TO make any reply. This wa
crisis which she had some days feared
She knew that her refusal of Stevens
would bring down his wrath upon hel
head, and had written TO both her sis
ters, stating the circumstances, and re
guessing, in case her father should drivs
her from the house. the privilege Of r.
naming short time with them. Then
husbands had married them more on &C
count of their fathers wealth, than fo
any affection they had for them; ant
they feared if they gave Maria hom,
their father would disinherit them. Sucl
is ibe effect which wealth has on the af
feclions.
Maria retired TO her chamber, and af
ter giving vent to fool of tears, delib
Grated what course to pursue. Ont
thing was certain, she was determined
not TO marry Stevens. The next thing
was, how could she obtain a living?-
After thinking of the matter for some
time, she said to herself:
"Wtll, l have good constitution, and
can labor; but how would it appear fol
The daughter of the rich Mr.. Graften, tC
go about the city seeking empioyment?'
At last she concluded that. rather tha
remain in the city, she would go TO some
village, and if possible, obtain employ
ment AT this moment she recoilected
having heard one of the house m aid
speak of being employed in a factory
and she descended to the kitchen.
"Haunall," said she, addressing thu
girl, Il beard You few days since
speak Of working in a factory; how die
you like it there?"
ooh! liked it very much, Miss Maria
and should have remained there had my
health been good"
"Was the work harder than you
work here?" inquired Maria.
No, ma'am, / don't think it WAS, bu
was more con6ning."
"Will you tell me where it is?" en-
quired Maria.
! The girl gave the required informa
: ton. and the name of the overseer of tht
room where she had worked. and th'
name of the lady with whom she board
ed, adding, "she is the kindest lady
ever saw"
The mind of Maria was now made uI
She decided upon entering factory
Another difficulty now presented itself
Would her father allow her 10 take he
clolhing and what money she had. Sh'
determined if he should still adhere t
his resolution, 10 ask him the question
In the morning she met her father at th'
breakfast table. At length her fatheI
inquired:
well, Maria. have you concluded tt
marry Mr. Slevens?'
Maria hesitated for moment. bu
said firmly, 81 have not"
You heard my determination las
night" said he, "and now l repeat it
You must marry HeBry Stevens, or gu;
my house."
Il cannot marry him father" sait
she. "Sooner would l quit not only thi
house, but the world"
"Then gol" said he angrily. rising
from bis chair.
"Shall l take my Clothes" asked Ma
ria.
Eyes; and never let me see or hea
from you again, said be, slamming til,
door violently, and leaving her alone.
Maria sank back iuto her chair anC
wept bitterly. For moment she seem
ed almost inclined to comply with hi
wish, but the idea that she must foreve1
be linked 10 william, and s1ffer reproach
his vileness was discovered, was mcr'
than she could bear, and she preferred
the anguish of separating from he
friends, free and with homer, to that o
marrying Ste, ems. She hastily packed
up her things and in few hours lef
her fathers house.
As she passed through the city of Bos
ton, where her sisters resided, desirt
sprung up to see them-but from thei
recent treatment, she dared not visit then
and she also feared again meeting hel
father.
Maria was we'll furnished with cloth.
ing, and had twenty FIVE dollars in mon
ey. Although she had been surrounded
with wealth. she never knew the valu,
of money. A thousand reflections
doubts and fears crossed her mind, a:
she was pursuing her journey to the plac'
designated by the girl of whom she hat
enquired at her fathers house; and
though she felt sad at the thought of be-
ing driven from home, she could scarce
suppress a smile at the awkwardnest