The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1866-07-05
The Factory Girl.

In sweet little rural valley, nestled
among the hills of Massachusetts,, stands
a pleasant village, with a picturesque
mill pond and factory. Several sum-
mers ago this hamlet was the Temporal
ry residence of two young men, who
were apparently travelling artists, as
their chief occupation seemed to con
sist,in sketching the scenery of the
neighborhood, which was celebrated for
its beauty. Their arrival had created
some stir among the villagers, for, with
out bit Of pretension, both young men
had a dignity of manner that made them
looked up to, and many a pretty factory
girl, as she tripped to her work, cast
back look over her shoulders is she
met either Of the handsome strangers
Though the society of the village
was unusually into lligent, and the fe-
males were remarkable for their lowell
ness, there was one famed beyond all
the rest, in mind and person, sweet
Edith Mather. She was an orphan,
without sister or brother, and lived with
an. aged aunt, whom she chiefly suppor-
ted by her labor in the factory. Edith
was popular with every one. She was
so gentle, considerate and kind, that
even those who at first envied, learned
at last to love her. The younger of the
two artists, whom we shall call Lowell,
soon became interested in the gentle
girl; at least if looks, and zones and con-
slant seeing of her presence were any
proof, he was thus Interested
One day he and his friend had clam
bcred up some rocks on the steep hill
side from which the town was overlook
ed, and as they sat there, the bell Of
the factory rang, and the green was i'm
mediately covered with the girls en-
ployed in it. Among them it was easy
to discover the light and graceful form
of Edith Mather
rs she not beautiful? Where can
you show me form SO sylph-like ?" ex-
claimed Lowell, with undisguised en-
thusiasm. aL5 s. i
His companion made no reply for a
moment, and then aruptly remarked
II think it is time we had left this
village"
"Why ?" asked Lowell, in tone of
surprise.
because if we do not, you will have
that girl in love with you. Your admi-
ration is evident to all of her friends
and you are too honorable too hold out
hopes that you never intend to fulfill
"Hold out hopes [ never intend to
fulfll?o - 2 C
! "Yes-for you don't think of marry
ing the girl do you 2" "
"To be sure"
"The deuse you do said his compan
ion, starting to his feet in unaffected
. astonishment.
Lowell INDUCED in hearty laugh
and then asked,
aWhy not ?"
"Why not? Why, for thousant
reasons. She's only a factory girl, ;
simple country lass, very good in he
way, but no match for Fred. Lowell
Just think of presenting her to you
fashionable friends in town No; no
it will never do. Shake off this love Fl
pack up your trunk, and let us be off t.
morrow" s. T 48
f. Lowell shook his head.
IT am, perhaps, more romantic mai
than you are, Harry" he said, but
have some common sense in me and
think have brought it to- bear upol
this question. We have now been here
month, in which time [ have becom
j. pretty well acquainted with Edith.
left town-we both left it-I heartily
sick of its friyolities; and, on my par
| with the firm conviction that I knew n
woman in our set whornI would be vii
| ling to make a wife. The city girls ar
so frivolous, SO fond of parties, SO cage
for wealthy alliances, and really SO ig
norant of household affairs that for |
man Of my tastes to marry one of ther
would be folly. I am not fond of ga
life-I think it wastes too much preci
Gus time, and I want therefore, wifi
who will be domestic, and not involy
me in a round of balls and other enter
tainments. I do not want to be he,
NIT. A few friends will be a grea