The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1870-02-17
For the Telegraph.
+" MEsTER.'
BY RUTH PARMLEIGH.

y
confess that with me there is great
deal in name. There is. always some.
thing regal in our thoughb of an
| Augusta and we think of something
gentle as the Spring-time when we hear
"Bessie," while Esther, Rebecca, Martha,
Charlotte, Mary, convey an idea OF
strength, character, and less perchsnce OF
| outward attraction.
! But suffice for this Facts are facts,
and when Hester Brayton was christened,
Hester the good man said.
Hester Brayton was the only child of a
widowed mother, who had struggled
through the long years, how hard, none
but Him who seeeth IN secret can tell, to
care fer her child and give her such an
education as her intellect demanded.
So through the Summer little Hester
might have been seen with her satchel,
tripping over the green. to the village
school. And through the long cold win.
ter, snugly ensconced on some juvenile
gallant's sled, borne proudly to the door,
in the face of half dozen disappointed
competitors for the honor. Very happily
despite privation passed the years of
Testers childhood. And at the age of
fifteen by her faithfulness and ability,
she had proved herself so excellent
scholar, that number of the prominent
gentlemen of the village volunteered to
defray the expenses of a thorough educa-
ton that she might be fitted to become
teacher. For the profession she seemed
eminently fitted.
So at the end of two years we find her
at the Seminary of M--.And her sue
cess may be easily ascertained by turn
ing to the records ana perusing the list
of high averages. She has still two years
before her ere she can enter upon the work
she is 80 eager to begin.
Among the first of the young gentle
men of the School was one Paul Wayland,
about leaving, after four years course,
to enter college. Paul was the son of
western merchant Of wealth His mother
was lady of culture and refinement,
and his two sisters were educated and
accomplished. The Wayland family
withal was fine one, and its members
much loved and respected by those who
knew them.
Between Hester and Paul there had
been regard gradually strength ening
during their course at school. And at
the close of Paul's term as he was about
leaving, both felt that they deeply loved
each other. Their feelings were inter
changed, and with the hopes, fears,
promises and anticipations usual to young
persons at such times-they parted-He
to gain the consent of his parents and
hers to their union after his return from
college, and she to return to her books, to
ponder over his every word and look
and build bright castles for her future.
Paul was the idol of his parents and
as soon as they became aware OF his at
tachment, and felt assured it was real :
Mr.. and Mrs. Wayland visited Mrs. Bray
ton, to gain her consent to the wish OF
their boy. Although Mr. Wayland's
family were vastly superior to Brayton's
in point of wealth and position, yet Mr..
and Mrs W paused not to think of
1t, knowing that in education and refine
ment Mrs. B and her daughter were
all that could be desired. But thew
found difficulty which was entirely un-
expected, in the form of an abrupt re-
fusal upon the part of Mrs. B to give
her consent or sanction in any respect.
To the inquiries of Paul's parents she re
turned the reply that Hester was her
only child and she did not wish her ever
to marry, and that she could not give her
up, adding that Paul should not consider
that he had any rights or hopes with re-
gard to Hester. Much disappointed and
grieved, Mr.. and Mrs. W withdrew
and soon informed their son Of the sad
and unexpected result of their visit.
His disappointment cannot be described.
He Immediately started for M and
had an interview with Hester who SEEM
ed paralized with grief She knew her
mother to be stern woman whose preju-
dices were unusually strong and to whom