New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-07-23
A ROMANTIC RADIANCE.
How Near a Young Lady Came 10 Marry
81. ing a Probably Worthless Lover.

ing a Probably Worthless Lover.
A family named Stephens have lived for
a quarter of century in North Alabama.
At the close of the late war, Mr.. Stephens
returned home. but his wife lived only a
few months atterward. He married again
in less than half year. A step-mOther was
thus brought to the house to live with and
control five children. Among the latter
were three daughters almost grown. They
were pretty, very well educated, and indlg-
nant at the early second marriage of their
father. Miss Mollie Stephens was particu-
larly hurt, because she and the new wife be-
came involved in endless disputes and
broils, and kept the household in con-
tinual ferment. The new conner was
thought to be tyrannical and overbearing,
and, being looked upon in this light her
mandates were not obeyed by children and
servants with any degree of willingness.
ONLY few months rolled away before
Miss Mollie determined to withdraw from
the unpleasant combination. A serious OBJ
stacle. however, met her upon the very
threshold of this move. She was without
money, and must earn some means WIN
which to pay expenses to the place OF her
future home The children of the neighbor-
hood were organized into a little school,
and she taught them for three months, a
time sufficient to earn the required amount.
Miss Mollie left her home and relatives and
came to Louisville. Inspired with feeling
of independence, she applied for and re-
ceived position as clerk in a confectionery
1t was here that she became acquainted
with Harry May. He was tall Wore long
black hair, dressed genteelly, and might
he described as q fine looking TEL
low. His engaging manners and easy
address introduced him to good many peo-
pie, into whose confidence he soon worked
himself. Nothing is known of his ante
cedents, but he was never suspected OF being
ANYTHING short of a perfect gentleman. He
seemed, too, a man of 0ignitied leisure, with
plenty of money in the bank, and host of
friends and admirers ready at any time to
do him homage Such credentials would
have recommended him to the favorable
notice OF any young lady, but especially to
Miss Stephens, who was hundreds of miles
from home, without money, friends or re-
lations. She was wOoed by the handsome
May, accepted his offer of marriage, and
felt proud in being thus singled out from
the rest of her sex to rule supreme In his
heart
The engagement ring was purchased and
placed upon her finger. 1t was OF line gold,
set with a handsome diamOnd-a present
well suited to the occasion. They were
together at parties and at church. A host
of friends were made thrice happy because
of the approaching union. The wedding
day was set; the services of the minister
were engaged; grOomsmen and bridesmaids
were completing their outfits, and the
nuptial ceremony was to have been
soemniZed a few days since. A joyous
throng of friends were expected to be
present. Excursions and parties during
gay honeymoon were in bright anticipation,
and no one seemed more confident of the
future than the happy lovers themselves.
One pretty evening they strolled down the
street together, and Mr.. May described
beautiful cottage, handsomely furnished
and surrounded with lovely flowers in a
pleasant part of the city, and added.
Dear Mollie, this is to be our future
home"
The day came, the one which was to have
witnessed their union. 1t was only few
days ago, in the morning, Harry May was
missing. Friends made diligent inquiry
about him, but up to the present time no
one knows anything of his movements.
Strange stories are whispered of his flight
to Texas, of his being concealed in Louis
vile. and hundred other rumors, each con-
fidently conclusive of his whereabouts. The
whole affair is wrapt in mystery. He may
have gone to Texas or to California. or be
slowed away in some hiding place in this
city. But, wherever he is, he has lost the
most favorable opportunity of getting a
sweet. industrious, pretty wife that he will
ever find again. Miss Stephens continues
to support herself by the use of her needle,
and sometimes thinks, it is said, that she
has been fortunate after all.