The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1868-04-14
Not Good Enough for Her
A TRUE AMERICAN STORY.

IostensIbly to escape the persecution o
laristocratic England, but alas for the in
CONSISTENCY of human nature, they were
very far from abandoning aristocracy
when they left the mother country. They
Itook it with them, together with all it
accompanying notions and absurdities
land have left it to their children as al
linalienable legacy, which they seem to b.
trying to increase every day.
In the days of the good colony of Viz
igiaia, the distinction between rich ant
poor was based upon laws which, like
those of the Medes and Persians, altered
mot. One of the devoted followers oi
this code was wealthy planter, living in
what is known as the Northern Neck
He was in all other respects frank, oper
hearted, manly gentleman; but his esti
mate Of his fellow men was founded up
on the principles that governed the selec.
ton .of his horses-blood. Wealth, too,
was by no means an unimportant feature
with him. He had cur human weakness
and like all Of us, was influenced more
than he ever believed, by pounds, shil
llings and pence. o z g
This Mr.. O. had quite large fam.
lily; among them was daughter whose
beauty wasa standing toast Of the coun-
TRY. She was just eighteen, and budding
into lovely womanhood. Not only was
she beautiful in person, but her amiaple
disposition and many Accomplishments
made her more than ordinarily attractive,
and half the gentleman Of Northern
Neck we're already sighing for her love.
There was in the country at this time q
young man who was already rising in the
esteem Of his neighbors. He came of a
good family, and was, as yet, a poor young
surveyor, who had taught himself his pro-
fession, and who had spent most 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 a model of manly beauty, and ex-
celled in all the various feats of strength
in which the olden time American took
such prides.< BE was calm and reserved,
and there was about him a dignifed de-
meanor that accorded well with his frank
independence of character. He was a
great favorlte 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 be-
fore he insisted that the latter should
abandon all ceremony in his visits to him
and come and 60 when he pleased. The
invitation was heartily given and as
promptly accepted. The young man
liked the planter. and he found the soci-
|ets of the beautiful Mary c. very
strong attraction. The result was that be
was frequently at the planters residence
SO frequently, indeed, that Mrs. c.
felt tcalled upon to ask her husband if he
did not think it wrong to permit him to
enjoy such unreserved intercourse with
their ia lighter. The father laughed al
the idea, and said he hoped his daughter
knew her position too well to allow any
thing like love for poor surveyor tc
blind her to her duty to her family.
Nevertheless, Mary GT- was not SC
fully impressed with this conviction oi
duty as her father. She found more tc
admire in the poor surveyor than, in all
her wealthy aristocratic suitors; and, also
before she knew it, her heart passed out
of her keeping, and was given to him.
She loved him with all the honesty
and devotion of her pure heart; and she
would have thought it a happiness to &c
loat with him into the backwoods and
share his fatigues and troubles, no mat.
ter how much sorrow they might bring to
her. p, -,
Nor didshelove in vain. The young
man whose knowledge Of the world was
afterwards SO great, had not then learned
| to consider as binding the distinctions
which society drew between bis position
and that of the lady. He knew that in
i all that makes a man, in integrity and
honesty of purpose, he was the equal Of
any one. he believed that in wealth he
stood upon a perfect equality with Mary
c., and he loved her honestly and
manfully, and no sooner had he satisfied
himself upon the state of his feeling;
| than he confessed his devotion, simply
and trushfully, anc received from the Ia
ldy's lips the assurance that she loyet
him very dearly 6ss
Soorning to occupy doubtful position
For to cause the lady 70 conceal aught from
her parents, the young man frankly ask
led Mr.. c. for his daughters hand
Very angry grew the planter, as he lis
tened to the audacious proposal. HI
stormed and swore furiously, and de-
nounced the young man as an ungratsfu
and insolent upstart.
aMy daughter has always been accus
toned to ride in her carriage" he said
"Who are you, sir2"
GA gentleman, sir,'' replied the young
man. quickly, aud he left the house.
The lovers were parted. The lady
married soon after a wealthy planter, ant
the young man went out again into the
world to battle with his heart and con
quer his unhappy passion. He subduet
| it, but although he afterwards married ;
woman he loved honestly and truthfully
and who was worthy Of. his love, he wa
never wholly deadto his first love.
The time passed on and the young maj
began to reap the reward Of his labors
He had never been to the house of Mr.
c. since his cruel repulse by tn
planter; but the latter could not forge
him, as his name soon became familiar il
every Virginian household. Higher ant