The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-11-29

have them, warrant you they were of the
poorest class. But don't want to argue
the matter for my mind is made up. TO
the husband of Clara Preston will never
give one penny of my property. Do you
understand that %
Mark Wilton arose and walked across
the room. He had light, graceful form,
with bearing of peculiar comeliness, and
when occasion called, he could be erect and
proud. His face was rather pale, and the
delicately cut features betrayed intellect
enough for any department of active life.
If he had lack, it was in vital energy and
physical force but this was nothing in his
way, if he had an incentive to overcome it,
for overcome it he could. AS be finally
stood before his father, with his arms folded
npon his breast, the whole pride of his soul
was in action. He told his father that he
should marry with the maiden of his choice.
The old mans answer was short and firm
There was further arguing ques
tioning and answering, but no change OF
feeling-no change of intent.
"You have my decision" said lothian
Wilton. And those who knew that old
man could not have doubted him. He was
too proud, too firm, too self-willed, to trife.
"And," replied Mark slowly and solemnly,
''you have mine. shall make G ara Press
ton my wife if ! live. And l tell you now,
that | will not barter away my soul for
money. You understand me"
81 understand what you say
"Ard only say just what | mean
"Then understand you fully. And, Mr..
Mark Wilton, would be sure that you un-
derstand me. If you marry that girl, look
to your fathers bank account no more.
n OF another penny-not another penny"
Mark Wilton had anticipated something
of this scrt-and yet, when he was once
more alone, and realized the full force of
bis position, be was for a while overwhelm.
ed with anxious thought. Thus far in life
be had never known what it was to depend
upon himself. His fathers immense wealth
had been the source of all his hopes, and
the future took color and form from the
golden store.
Awhile Was the youth in trouble, lut
gradually he rose above the shock, and his
pride came TO his aid for he had pride and
an independent spirit, and now that these
qualities had been so loudly called upon,
| they started up strong and sure. He folded
! his hands together, and with his head erect,
! and MS thin lips firmly compressed, he swore
/ that he would be his own master.
Clara Preston was as beautiful as the ar
lists ideal, and those who knew her loved
! her for her gentleness and goodness. She
was an orphan. and had for two or three
years supported herself by teaching music
Not a breath was there against her characs
ter-n0t breath could there be, Tor SIZE
was one OF those pure, spiritual beings who
/ seem TO make pure and holy the very at,
! mosphere about them.
IN the evening Mark Wilton came and
! told Clara the result OF 1s Interview with
! his father She listened to MIN attentive-
| iy, and when he had concluded, che reacLel
forth her nand and rested it in his.
Mark she said, gazing earnestly into
his face. {" l have been fearful OF this, and
| tell you freely that have not oue word
OF fault to ind with your father. Is would
be hard for me to give you up, but !. would
be harder still for me TO see you suffer 90
my account. II, as matters now stand, you
would sever the bond between us, Shall be-
content, and | will never blame you while
/ | live"
Clara" cried the young man, vehe-
mentiy," YOU don't know me. Give you
up I'd sooner give up my life. My fa-
| ther has my answer. L can give up his
wealth ; but cannot give up the love and
faith of my heart No, dearest one, no
cloud shall come between thee and me. Nv
resolution is taken, and henceforth am nv
| or 1C To IL
love and duty to thee shall impose.
The maiden regarded her lover for some
moments in silence. She saw how proud
and determined he looked how bold and
dauntless was the light that flashed on his
dark eyes how hopefully and trustingly
be turned his souls aspirations towards
herself and she felt that she did no wrong
in sustaining him.
mark Wilton" she said, giving him
both her hands, I" if you can love and trust
me thus; il you can give up 80 much for
me if you can now, in the first flush of
manhood, turn from the hopes of other
years, and link your fate with mine, will
love and cherish you to the end. My best
efforts shall be yours, and with all my pow
err of heart and soul will | serve you"
" Before Heaven, am content, respond.
ed the youth and as he spoke, he seemed
to summon all his energies for the battle of
life before him. He drew the fair enc
upon his bosom, and as be held her there,
he resolved that he would show to bis fa-
ther and the world that be could sustain
himself as became an honorable and inde>
pendent man.
The day was finally set for their mar
rage.
We cannot be married in my fathers
house." said Mark.
NO." returned Clara, " had supposed
that; and have planned that we will be
! married at the house of an old friend OF