The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1865-09-25
THE TALE OF MY LIFE.


jong. indeed, that had no recollection
of him. He had now come home In Ill
health and begged me to come and keep
bonse for him, as was his only near re-
Iat;on Mr.. Norton, with some difficulty,
induced me to comply with this request;
/ left my kind friends and soon 1onnd
myself at the head of a handsome estaD,
lishment, courted and admired by all
around.
almost fabulous, and he made no secret
of his intention to make me his heiress,
consequently was besieged by admirers
of all classes, ages and characters. But
was not deceived by them; it was my
uncle's money they loved, not me.
About three years after l left the Nor
toms n distant cousin made his appear
ance. and soon found that my uncle
wished me to marry him; but / had al
ready seen one who appeared to me the
realization of my ideal of husband
Arthur Beauchamp had met me several
times, land had always paid me marked
attention. He was young, handsome and
courteous. His estates were large, and
altogether he was considered by the
mammas and chaperones as most de-
sirable Young man. was told by a
friend of his that he was much struck
with me, but that as he knew that | was
Q reputed heiress his modesty kept him
back from proposing. This proved to
me, as thought, that had not formed
too high an opinion of him.
NV cousin was sensible, honorable
man, and have no doubt would have
made me good husband; but l scorned
the thought of becoming party to a mat
rimonial negotiation which was so evil
IDENTIFY dictated by expediency. In due
time Mr.. Racy proposed, but was not
accepted. He seemed much grieved by
nv fixed determination to have nothing
more to say to him. My uncle was also
annoyed, and spoke to me on the subject
I told him the truth, that believed Mr.
Racy was only actuated by the thought
of my probable wealth, and that l
would never marry until / met with
some one who loved me for myself My
uncle assured me that Mr.. Racy was not
the man took him for; that he had very
good reason to know that he had formed
an honest attachment for me that be-
fore he had given his consent to the pro-
posal he had told my cousin that now he
was quite undecided as to the DISPOSE
ton of his wealth, but that Mr.. Racy
had said at once that such considerations
would have no undue influence with him,
that he loved Miss Merton, and, if she
had no fortune, he had enough to main
tain her.
Before had met Arthur Beauchamp
this might have altered my sentiments.
As it now stood felt pleased that some
one really loved me for myself; but my
determination remained fixed. 1t seemed
as though my uncle read my thoughts,
for he said, If you are thinking of that
dandy, Arthur Beauchamp, you are
throwing aside an honest man for
knave, Mary"
Being angry, / replied hastily; and,
meeting Mr. Racy soon after, treated
him with such unnecessary contempt
that he at once left the house, and
GOODNESS arose between us.
Arthur Beauchamp became my accept
ed sutton soon after; my uncle treated
him with great indifference, but offered
no opposition to our engagement. From
the time of our quarrel my uncle and
behaved towards each other with the
stiff politeness of strangers. Never was
there more devoted swain than Arthur
nor one who bore with more
exemplary patience the scorn of DOM
old man and the whims of
spoilt girl.
My letters to Patty were full of glow
ing descriptions of my future husband
He had never mentioned to me the sub
iect of fortune; indeed, what need had
one of his reputed wealth and position
TO care about it Patty wrote me the
warmest congratulations, con tTastinp NV
golden future with her own dusLy one.
Mr.. Meredith was slowly going Oh his
way; money was wanted at every step
Of his career, and ne had to work for it
before he could spend it. With his
talents, what might he not have done if
3nly he had some one to bear the en-
oense ?" argued the loving girl. Alas
|, was very selfish then; my own happi
ness closed my heart to the vexations of
others, even of my dearest friend. There
was one fact which, during the early
part of my engagement, beth puzzled and
annoyed me-Arthur's dfsinclination to
,ay anything as to the time of our mar
'iage, though he was most anxious to
publish the fact of our engagement but
loved him with all the best love of nv
,eart. What could not then have done
Dr. suffered for his sake
When we had been engaged year or
two my uncle died; his will was. quite |
liffereut from what every one expected.
The bulk of his wealth he beuueathed |
o Mr. Racy; he left me more than two
thousand year, and q large sum of !
'eady money. Arthur did not seem at I
III disappointed at this disposition of |
ny kinsman's fortune; indeed, his affec-
ion for me seemed to increase, aud he
low spoke OF fixing an early siay for our
marriage.
1t was agreed. thas AFTER the mourning
or my uncle was over, the ceremony
hould take place Mt once In the mean
line, went into the country to STAY
nth my kind friends, and Arthur came
to see me-
Dear Patty shared my joy with all the
nselhshness of her nature, though the /
loud would rest on her brow when she I
poke of Mr.. Meredith He has game. on /
no continent as tutor to a y0ung no.
lsman, and it seemed likely to be q
cry distant day before ae could marry. !,
. Patty's father Positively refused T.,
i've his consent until Mr.. Meredith vs,s
q possession OLA moderate conansten,.T
My wedding day was tixea, the trons.
eau purchased, the bridesmaids selected
nd the cake ordered. Arth6r came
own to pass few days with me, that |