True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-11-24
& GGo6 Stprg.
The Fathers Choice.

Aug Ht0oG VUOkV0s
81 ssug.g sig no 1880 bqdsIta.ss a.
Il was cold winters night, end the
winds whistlsd through the bare limbs
Of the giant trees that lined the wall
The ground was covered with enow, on
whose surface the light fell with dazzling
splendor, studding the ground with bril-
liant diamonds. As the old South clock
struck nine a young man wrapped in his
cloak sought the shade Of the large trees
in the park. from whence he watched the
coming Of numerous carriage loads OF
gaily dressed people Of both sexes, who
entered one OF the priheely houses on
Beacon street. Through the richly stained
glass windows, the gorgeous light issued
ia steady food, accompanied by the
thrilling tone Of music from full band {;
the house ilIumined q. every point, seem.
crowded with gay and happy spirits. The
stranger still contemplated the scsne-his
cloak which had enveloped the lower
part Of his features, had fallen. discover.
ing face Of manly beauty, full dark
eye, with arching trows. aad sholt curl-
ing hair, as black as the ravens piumage,
setting Of 70 great advantage his Grecian
style Of feature "a becoming moustache
curled shou. his mouth, giving decided
classic appearance 10 bis whole face. The
naval button on his cap. showed that he
belonged TO that class Of our national de-.
fence. Shall I enter said he thoughtfully.
70 himself. and feast myself on charms |
never can possess Hard fate, that I
should be bound 10 the iron chains Of pow
erty--yet am man. and have soul as
noble as the bes. Of them. We will see,
and crossing over 10 the gay scene he en-
sered the ball room. He cast off his over
shoes. handed his coat and cloak to the
servant, and unannounced mingled with
the beauty snd fashion that thronged the
room. Gradually he made bis way among
the crowd, 10 whose center stood bright
and beautiful being, the queen iu lovliness
of that brilliant assembly. The bloods
Of The west end flocked around her, seek.
ing for an approving glance from those
dreamy blue eyes half abstracted, she
answered or spoke on the topics Of con.
versa,ion without apparent Interest,"
Suddenly she started. biushed deeply,
dropped q half courtesy in token Of rec
ignition TO some one without the group
Her eyes no longer languid, heamed viii
animation. and as our naval friend enter
ed the group about her. she laid her tiny
white hand in his saying:
Welcome, Ferris. we had feared tina
your sailing orders had taken you to se0
This bleak weather.
We should not have lifted anchor with
out frs. paying tribute to our queen. waf
the gallant reply. asa.h.3
A litter ran through tho circle Of ex
c!usives al his appearance, but when the
lady appeared pleased there wac room foI
complaint. +
'E"! The gay scenes of night wore on
n,Ssverai times had Ferris Havard CON.
pleiely put at fault the shallow brainet
F. fops around him, placing them in anything
but an enviable light. va e,,.l
Ferris Gayafd was Lieutenant in tbt
Z, navy, SGnd depended entirely on his pay
as an officer to support widowed moth
or and young sister, to both Of whom h,
e was devotedly attached. His father wa
basolf made man. had once been success
% ful merchant, who sailed and frsigh,et
come Of the heaviest tonned vessels tha
left Boston; but misfortune and sickness
overlook him, and he sunk into the grave
leaving his only son to protect his moth
or aud sister from the wants and ills o
life. - " -'' .l
".' Ferris had enjoyed a liberal education
and having entered the navy, q midship
man had reached lieulenancy by reasol
of bis superior requirements and goo,
conduct. HE profession led him to al
parts Of the world, and he had careful
improved his advantages, constrained b,
reason Of his limited means. TO the prac
tics Of the most rigid economy.
pa He met with the only daughter Of Har
Eis H.. one Of the wealthy citizens @
Boston, at a fete given on board the sh
70 which he belonged, and had becom
Immediately enamored with her; bu. h
we'll knew in his own heart the differenc
in their fortunes formed u barrier 10 hi
= wishes. He had been a causual visito
for several months subsequen. to the tin
our story commences. at the house Of tn
Hs--- family. 'a n''G ''..1
,.a, / must think Of her no more, said FeI
ris 70 himself; IL I am jeercd at by an
friends for offering common civililiei
with what contempt would her auster
parents receive a proposition for her han
from one so poor and unknown.
~ Harry H was indeed \ stern ol
man, and yet he was said 10 be kind I
30 che poor, giving freely Of his bounty
. 10 che relief Of the needy. Still he was
strange man, he seldom spoke to ,hos
about him, yet he eIpcedl the warme,
love for his child and Annie, too, love
her ialbsr with an ardent affection. Hi
delight was to pour over his library, Ii,
ING, q Il were, In the company Of the Ol