The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1870-09-22
Select Story.
MARRYING A FORTUNE.

Yes, Ill do it, Ralph, even if she
is scrnggy, worthless, hairless, dried
up, yellow, vinegar faced old maid. III
marry her; or, rather, her 70. tune 4"
aud SO saying he leaned himself back
in his chair, aud commenced putting
away as coolly at his cigar as though
marrying were the most commonplace.
uninterestiug affair ever dreamed of.
You speak quite confidently, young
man." returned his companion, " per.
haps the lady in question won't have
you. Don't be too conceited, if you
have been called irresistible
" Fiddlestieks l guess ny uncle's
fortune was the most Irresistible part to
the New York bellies, and am certain
now that my great expectations have
P ssed away, there isn't two Of them
ever remembered associating with me.
tell you, Ralph, love is all moonshiue
mere creature of the iancy-for have
never seen pretty girl YET that could
set my heart palpitating. Money is
what poor bricaess lawyer wants, not
love; it's a great deal more substantial.
toe"
Don't doubt it; but wouldn't be
tied to an old vixen for any considera.
tion," responded Ralph, and in my
opinion, Bart, you are a fool if YOU
heave yourself away. There, now, that
advice is free gratis-no fee asked
only do tell me the whole story"
can do that in a few words.
About week ago saved fine looking
but gou'y old gentleman from being
upset out Of his carriage on Broadway
lie was profuse in his thanks. learned
my name, said he knew me by reputa.
tion, told me he was wealthy, with but
ono child, daughter, and If | would
come down to Sea View, where he in.
tended to pass few weeks, he would
make match between me and her. /
modestly suggested that the lady in
question might object, but he Insisted
that she could not; she was devoted 10
him and heart-whole. There il is
verbatum. | then made Inquiries of a
friend what kind of girl Mr.. Lafourp's :
daughter was, and they told me She was
a scraggy old maid | have her in INV
minds eye, but it's no drawback. Iii
marry for money, and let her afterwards
take to her eats, just the same as she
does now. That's all. am too law
to work" And he relapsed into pro.
found silence, wondering secretly what
time on the morrow Mr.. Lafourn and
daughter would arrive.
There, pa, you dear old goose, listen
to the description of your Nell.D ex.
claimed pretty little Nellie Lafonrp ar.
ranging the curtains SO that the old
gentleman could oyerhear the converse.
tion on the piazza between the two
young gentlemen just mentioned.
"Confound bis impudencc, growled
the old man, in rage, bringing his
caue dowa Justify; sI'd like to see him
get my darling, the heartless wretch
and my money, even if ho has got mixed
up with your aunt Lucilel'
"Slightly mixed up, isn't il, ~
But after all how much the picture is
like her, and she burst into merry
laugh, that caused a dozen dimples to
play hide and seek around her ckeeks
and lips.
T" He may be blessed I'll send for
him this moment, aud Ili--I1l--T'n
cane him I" almost shouted the irate old
gentleman.
mo, indeed, you won't, pa you lot
me manage him, won't you, pa? Let
him come--let him imagine Lucille Is
your daughter and heiress, and your
niece, with no expectations. Well see
how he will carry himself.p
On the next day Mi. Albertine Cover
waited upon Mr. Lafourn, aud was for.
mally introduced to Miss Lucille Lafourn.
He inquired after the old gents health
very affectionately, and soon became
quite engrossed, apparently, 10 the con
versation that was started, but secretly
he was cycling his Intended bride, and
he confessed to himself that the enthu-
siastie descriptions he had given his
friend Ralph did not belle her, or
scarcely do her justice. Just then the |
door opened and graceful young lady, |
with a great abundance Of golden curls