Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1867-08-31
TALES AND SKETCHES.
NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR HER.
A True American Story.


United States went to that country ostensi.
bly, to escape the persecution of aristocratic
England, but alas for the inconsistency of
human nature they were very far from aban
donng aristocracy when they left the mother
country. They took it with them, together
with all its accompanying notions and alb
surdities. and have left it to their children
as an inalienable legacy, which they seem to
be trying to increase every day.
In the days of the good colony of Virgi
MIA. the distinctions between rich and poor
were based upon laws, which, like those of
the Mcdes and Pcrsians, altered not. One
of the most devout followers of this coGe
was a wealthy planter, living in what is
known as the Northern Neck. He was in
all other respects frank, open hearted,
manly gentleman; but his estimate of his
felow-m was founded upon the principles
that governed his selections of horse
blood Wealth, too, was by no means an
unimportant feature with him. He had our
human weaknesses, and like all of us, was
influenced more than he ever believed by
pounds, shillings and pence.
This Mr.. c. had quite large family.
Among them was n daughter whose beauty
was the standing toast of the county. She
was just eighteen, and budding into lovely
womanhood. Not only was she beautiful
in person, but her amiabie disposition and
many accomplishments made her more than
ordinarily attractive, and half the gentlemen
of Northern Neck were already signing for
her love.
There was in the country at this time a
young man who was already rising in the
| esteem of his neighbors He came OF a
good family, but was as yet a poor young
: E,l ,l,t IA
fession, and who had spent much of his
| time in traversing unknown forests, with
nothing but his compass for his guide, and
his chain for his companion, locating lands
and settling disputed titles. He was mo-
! del of manly beauty, and excellcd in all the
various feats of strength in which the olden
! time Americans took such pride. He was
calm and reserved, and there was about him
a dignified sweetness of demeanor that ac-
corded well with his frank independence OF
character. He was great favorite with all
who knew him, and there was no gathering
to which he was not asked
Mr.. c. seemed especially to like the
young man, and it was not long before he
insisted that the latter should abandon all
ceremony in his visits to him, and come
and 90 when he pleased. The invitation
was heartily given, and as promptly accept
ed. The young man liked the planter, and
he found the society of the beautiful Mary
c. very strong attraction. The resul,
was that he was very frequently at tho
planters residence; so frequently, indeed
that Mrs. c. felt called upon to ask hel
husband if he did not think it wrong tC
permit him to enjoy such unreserved inter
course with their daughter. The fathe
laughed at the idea, and said he hoped hi
daughter knew her position too well to al
low anything like love for poor surveyo
to blind her to her duty to her family.
Nevertheless, Mary G. was not so full,
impressed with this conviction of. Guty a
, was her father. She found more to admir-
, in the poor surveyor than in all her wealth,
aristocratic suitors; and, also, before sh,
knew it her heart passed out of her keeping
. and was given to him.
} She loved him with all the honesty ant
devotion of her pure heart; and she woult
have thought it a happiness to go out witt
/ him into the Lack woods and share his 70
, .igues and troubles, no matter how mucl
sorrow they might bring to her.
, Nor did she love in vain. The youn,
t man. whose knowledge of the world wa
afterwards SO great, had not then learne,
i, to consider as binding the distinction
!, which society drew between his position
4 and that of the lady. He knew that in al
!, that makes man, integrity and honesty O
. a purpose, he was the equal of any one. H
a believed that, except in wealth, he stood o.
9 perfect equality with Mary c., and h
loved her honestly and manfully, and n
!. . sooner had he satisfied himself upon tn
4 state of his own feelings than he confesse
his devotion, simply and truthfully, and r,
!, ceived from the lady's lips the assuranc
y J, that she loved him very dearly.
!, Scornful to occupy doubtful position, G
n to cause the lady to conceal aught from be
% parents, the young man frankly and mar
a fully asked Mr.. G. for his daughter
/ hand. Very angry grew the planter as !
10 listened to the audacious proposal. II
= stormed and swore furiously, and denounce
the young man as an uDgrateful and ins,
h lent ups.art.
"My daughter has always been accu
a toned to ride in her carriage" he said.-
"Who are you, siri Z"
:, "a gentleman, sir replied the youu
10 man quickly, and he left the house.
n. The lovers were parted. Tho lady ma
red, soon after, a wealthy planter, and Il