Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1861-03-20
5f(tstetIaueolts.
Worth and Wealth.

"Flyrence would not let Frank Ray
mond wait so constantly on me, ifI were you, :"
sail Annie Weston 10 her friend Florence FL
lott, as they sat together at the home of the
former.
"Why not, Annie, have you heard any
thing dcrcgatory to his character 2" as ed
Florence.
sOh. no, his character may be we'll enough;
but he is nothing but a carpenter, and poor
at that"
as that all, Annie 2" said Florence, with
half drawn sigh of relief. .Ifyou Can bring
no other argument against him, his being
poor carpenter will have but little weight
with me"
"Florcncc, you are provokingly democratic
in your notions a girl Of your standing in So
cicty to throw yourself away on poor car
penter is perfectly ridiculous You will never
be happy, am sure"
Il think differently, dear Annie. know
that Frenl is, ee-you :.,er; .hat is when
I become his wiit. cannot live in TIE style
that now do; but have no fears that will
not be happy for he is worthy Of any wonans
love he is truly noble and. good"
'Well, you are the one to be satisfied
but l am sure could not be under the cir
cumstanccs. Only last night George said he
wandered at girl of your beauty and wealth
to marry such a poor fellow.;'
Florcncc's dark eye flashed, crimsoned
spot burned upon her checkas she exclaimed:
':Did George Linden dare to say that ?"
q You need not get SO angry, Florence. he
did say it. and It was no crime said Annie.
The color had faded from Forcnccs cheek,
and the angry flash from her eyes. She laid
her hand upon Annic's, and in a gentle tone
said
"Forgiye me if my tone MAS harsh, and al
so pardon what am about to take tue liberty
of saying but Annie, dearest, l love you, and
l cannot help it. You lave spoken 10 me o.
Franks poverty, would that lad nothing
worse to complain of in Geolge Linden.
You know, An.ic, that have dear brother
who is on the broad road to ruin the path of
vice, the ways of wicked are familiar to his
feet; the destroyer of that brother, the on.:
who first led him astray, was George Linden.
Oh. Annie. before it is too late, draw back.
He has untold wealth he can give you every
earthly luxury which your heart can desire;
but he loves the vine cup; he frequcnts the
gaming ta!.ie wealth cannot bring you hap
pincsS with >uc!. Il r:an. | would not have
spoken of him thu, to you for worlds, had
loved YOU less than DO but Your happiness
i, very dear 20 me. and could not Lear to
s,e Won cast it from you by welding him who
has been src!, a curse 10 our home circle,
without nnc warning word.
Annie was silent 70" suinc moments alter
Florence ceased speaking, then she said
" Il canot believe what YOU have ID me:
Fl renee"
-: never :"l1 you an un;rut!, Annie. and
! wouli not have spoken ought against ll:in
ii .d not been but too sure Of its truth.
Let us say no more mlH.ut it now; think OF
what lave tod YOU, and then act as your
heart Dictates"
When Florence rose to depart, Annie laid
Il rr.traiang ll;.nl upon her arm. and looking
into her dep eyes, said
8. Florence, know that you told me what
You dill out of kindnc.S. bat | would rather
risk my happiness with George, than marry
a poor man"
g Do as yoa please, but remember dearcs;
Annie as y:u snw 50 81 II YOU reap" twas
til, last time Florence ever slphr on III sub.
ject, but in after years Aanic remembered
every word she i.a'l ever said.
Fl"rcnce Elliott was tic only daughter Of
wealthy parents, beautiful aud accom- l'>hcd,
bnt Of her many charms she seemed almost
unconci3u. Pride she hsd but it was Of
that high noble sta lcard which instnc,ively
slrinks from contact with anything which
does not possess pure and intrinsic worth.
Annie Weston was Forencc's dearest friend,
but very different was their character snd
disposition Annie had many noble traits in
her character, but from childhood the evil OF
her nature had been nourshcd By avain Grv
o3us mother, and the esti:nation in which
she held worth AMI wealth, may be seen from
her conversation with Florence.
Some months af;cr TIE conversation rc!e-
ted above, the t'yo girls stood before the al
tar as brides, and heard the words which
bound them to the chosen of their hearts.