The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1870-07-08
THE FACTORY GIRL.

turesque mill-pond ana factory. Sev'
eral years ago this hamlet was the
temporary residence Of two young
men, who were apparently travelling
artists, as their chief occupation
seemed to consist in sketching the
scenery of the neighborhood, which
was celebrated for its beauty. Their
arrival had created some stir among
the villagers, for without particle oi
pretention, both young men had d
certain dignity of manner that mad
them looked ~ to. and many pretty
factory girl, as she tripped to hei
work, cast look over her shoulder il
she saw either of tho handsome stran.
gers.
Though the society of the village
was very intelligent, and tho females
remarkable for lovliness, there was
one famed beyond all the rest, in both
mind and person-sweet Edith Ma.
ther. 5 g was an orphan, withou;
sister or brother. aud lived with an
aged aunt. whom she chiefly supported
by her labor in the factory. Edith
was popular with every one. She
was Sd gentle, consiierate aud kind
that even those who at first envied,
learned ut last 10 love her. The Young
cr Of the two artists. whom We shall
name Lowell. soon became interested
III this sweet creature. at least il
looks. tones. and constant seeking OF
her presence were ally proof. he was
interested.
One day he and his friend had clam
bercd up ON some rocks on the steep
hillside. from which the village was
overlooked, and as they sat there. the
bell Of the factory rang. and the green
was Immediately covered with girl .
employed in it., vending their way
thither after dinner. Among them it
was easy to recognize the Ii sht and
graceful form of Edith.
''Is she not beautiful? Where can
you show me person so sylpl,-like?''
said Lowell, with undisgnised enthusi-
asm.
His companion made no reply for n
moment, but then abruptly remarked
II think it is time we left this vii
lage."
"Why?" asked Lowell, in tone oi
surprise.
Because. il VIC don't you will lave
that girl III love with you. Your nd
Emiration il evident To all her friends and
you are too honorable TO hold out hopes
you never intend to fill."
Hold out hopes that never in
tend TO fulfill"
"Yes-for you don't think OF marry
ing that girl, do you 2"
''To be sure.
I" The deuce you do" exclaimed his
companion. starting to his feet vi h
unaffected astonishment.
Lowell indulged in a hea"ty laugh,
and then asked:
"Why not:"
"Wby not? Why. for thousaud
reasons. She is only fact ,ry girl. a
Lady of neither birth nor education. bat
n SIMPLE country lass, very good II
her way, only no match for Fred
L well. Think of press ntinS her To
your fashionable friends in town. No
mott will never do. Shake off this
love fit, pack up your trunk, and let's
b, of tomorrow.
Lowell shook his head.
AIN, perhaps. more romantic than
you are, Harry" he said. . bat I
have some common sense about me,
and / think have brougt it TO bear on
This question We have been here
about u month, in which tins I have
become pretty we'll acquainted with
Edith. / left town-we both left it,
heartily sick of its frivolities. and, on
my part, with the firm opinion that I
knew no woman in our set there whom
1 would be viii ng to make my wife.
The city girls are all 80 fond Of parties.
80 eager for wealthy alliances, and re-
ally so ignorant OF household duties.
that for man of my taste to marry
one of them would be folly. / am
not fond of gay life-I think it wastes
so much precious time, and I want,
therefore, wife who will be domestic,
and not in round of balls or other
entertainments. do not wish to be n
hermit few friends are great bles-
sing, and shall always be glad to call
around me small circle of the right
kind; but promiscuons fashionable
visiting detest. Now, think have
just the partner I required in Miss
Mather. She is we'll informed. agree
able, simple in her tastes, has sound
sense, and withal, possesses large
share of personal beauty, and, if I
mistake not, the power of loving deep
ly. If marry her and take her to
the city, her intuitive tact-and she
has this in q remarkable degree will
soon supply any deficiency in manner.
In short / do not know where I could
make better choice"
"How? When she has no accom-
plishments?
'.She can sing with untaught grace
and as for jabbering French, I don't
know that that would make her any
better. She will soon learn, too, with
her quick parts. Besides, I care more
to have wife usefully informed than
to have one possessing only superficial
accomplishments.
"But her family. Recollect who
your grandfather was. ~
End who was hers? A worthy di-
vine, poor, grant, but estimable. =
Besides, / am above the cant you talk
of. If her parents had been honest, ]
would care little whether they were Of
royal blood or peasant extraction.
believe with Burns that worth makes
the man. and the only degradation ]
acknowledge is that of crime !"
"Well, if you are resolved on it,
t~->< ,e~l< - LII A.