The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1866-04-18
THE FACTORY GIRL.
A SENSIBLE LOVE STORY.

among the hills of Massachusetts,, stands
"a pleasant village, with picturesque
mill pond and factory, Several summers
ago this hamlet was the temporary resi-
dence of two young men, who were op
parently travelling artists; as their chief
occupation seemed to consist in sketch
ing the scenery of the neighborhood,
which was celebrated for its beauty,
Their arrival had created some stir among
villagers; for, without a bitofpretension,
both young men had certain dignity Of
manner that made them looked up to.
and many pretty factory girl, as she
trip ed 10 her wOlk, cast back look
over her shoulder, il she met either Of
tie handsome strangers.
Though the society of the village was
unusually intelligent, and the females
were remarkable for lovel;ness, there was
ore famed bey ond all the rest in both
mind and person, sweet Edith Mather.-
She was an orphan, without sister or
brother, and lived with an aged aunt,
whom she chiefly supported by her la
Dor in the factory. Edith was popular
with every ono. She was SO gentle, con
siderato and kind, that even those wto at
first envied, learned at last to love her.
The younger of the two artists, whom VIC
shall uame Lowell, sopn becume interested
in the gentle girl; at least, if looks, tones
and constant seeiRg Of her presence were
any proof, lie was thus interested.
Ore day he and his friend had cham.
bcred up some rocks on the steep hill,
side, from which the village was over.
looked, and as they sat there the bell Of
the factory rang, and the green was i'm,
mediately covered with the girls imployed
init, vending their way thilher after
dinner. Among them it was easy 10 rec
oenize the light and graceful FORM Of
Edith Mather.
"Is she not beautiful? Where can
you show me a person so sylph-like 7"
said Lowell, with undisguised enthusi
asm.
His companion made 20 reply for q
moment, aud then abruptly remarked
~ think it is time we had left this vii
lage."
i'Why?' asked Lowell in tone Of sur
prise.
"Because if VIC do not, you will have
that girl in love with you. Your odmi
ration is evident to all her friends, and
you are too honorable to hold out hopes
you never intend to fulfill"
"Hold out hopes Inever intend 10 full
fn?"
"Yes--for you don't think Of marrying
the girl, do you~
"'To be sure" -. .''' 4,
"Tbc deuce you doY" said bis com
panion, starting to his feet in unaffected
astonisbment, p4 ~
Lowell INDUCED in a hearty laugh, and
then asked: aeuHa0 as 81"
"Why not II" 2a7
b "Why mott Why for thousand rea.
sons She's only a factory girl, lady
Of neither birth nor education, but q
simple country lass, very good in her way
| only no match for Fred Lowell. just
think Of presenting her to your fashiona.
bic, friends in town No-no-it will
never do. Shake of this love fit; pack
up your trunk, and let us be off to.mor
row."
Lowell shook his head.
~ am, perhaps, more romantic mar
than you are, Harry" he said, "but l have
some common sense in me, and l think
have brought it to bear upon this ques
ton We have now been here a month
in which tine / have become pretty wei
acquainted with Edith. l left town
wo both left heartily sick of it's frivo
lities and, on.my part, with the firm
opinion that knew no woman in our Sc
there whom ] would be willing to make /
/ wife. Ghs.city girls are so frivolous, sC
fond of parties, so eager for wealthy alli'
ances, and really soiguoraht Of household
affairs that for 0 man Of my tastes tt
marry ono ofthem would be folly, lam
not fond Of gay life--I think il wastes tot
much prsbieus time and Ilwant, there
fore, a wife who will be domestic, and
not involve me in round Of balls and
fother Entertainments. / do not wish Il
be, . hermit, A few friends are greaI
blessing, and / shall always be glad te
gather around me small circle Of the
right Kind u but promiscuouH visiting, ]
now think | have found just the part
ner I ronp;ra N Miss Mathar. She 4,