Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1871-06-23
Il am grateful for your tenderness and

care; for the home which you have given
me; and the fatherly interest which you
have manifested in my welfare. When
you took me from the Orphan Asylum, in
New York, and adopted me as your son,
I resolved, if possible, to fill sons place;
to yield to your wishes in all things where
conscience was not directly concerned. I
think I have done so; but wife, father,
must be the person of my own choice"
Marry Edith Ventnor. then; she may
be very gentle and lovable, but I can't
see what poor young doctor wants with
a penniless bride," said Mr.. Lane, with
some asperity, as be left the. room.
Walter remained in the library long
time; the conversation with his adopted
father had awakened host of old memo
ries. We will retrospect little:
Walter Moreton's father had been
lawyer of much promise in the Empire
city. A genial disposition, combined with
talents of high order, had secured him
an entrance into the most aristocratic cir
cles. He began downward course by
drinking wine at evening entertainments.
next followed the club-rooms, and finally
"a dfunkard's grave. Mrs. Morton did
not long survive her husband; and, at the
age of six. Walter was an orphan. He
was sent to the Orphan Asylum, and af-
ter remaining there two years, had been
adopted by Mr.. Lane.
He had been carefully reared and edu-
Gated by his adopted father. who was re-
tired merchant; and who, although an ex-
cellent man in mostrespects, had an inor-
dinate desire for the possession of great
riches. He wanted Walter to marry we'll;
and his estimate Of good marriage was,
family position and handsome fortune.
Walter Moreton had long been attached
to Edith Ventnor: who, five years before,
had come to L. to teach music. and
had succeeded in supporting herself and
widowed mother very comfortably. Edith
was sprightly and energetic; not at all
beautiful in feature but possessed of lus-
trous black eye, and smile Of rare sweet
ness.
Edith had won the respect and admira-
ton of all her acquaintances during her
five years residence in l.. As far as
dress was concerned. she was shocking
ly plain, according to Miss Melvina Long
tongue, the fashionable dressmaker Of
l., and her opinion was corroborated
10y the report Of MISS Jerusha w Walker,
who had the public generally in charge.
Although Edith did not follow the latest
fashion to its most minute details, she was
always attired becomingly, and in good
taste:
Mr.. Lane was determined, If possible,
to prevent the match between bis son and
Edith Ventnor. but as time passed on, he
found that all efforts in that direction were
without avail. No one could have loved
bis own child more passionately than Mr..
Lane loved Walter, but his love lacked
Judgment. The desire that Walter should
marry into wealth and position had become
almost passion with him. He had en-.
deavored to educate Walter into his belief;
he tried to persuade him that it was
paramount duty-one which he owed to
his adopted father and benefactor; who,
with true philanthropy. had placed him
on the road that led upward to fame and
fortune.
In the meantime, preparations were bes
ing made for the approaching marriage
In the suburbs of L-, small but
handsome villa had been erected; this was
to be the future home of the young ply
sician and his wife. Walter had chosen
this spot because it was removed from the
heat and dust. and the busy whirl of life
in the town.
With him home was something sacred
not mere name, indicating house and
its appointments; but the realization of all
that is ennobling, good and beautiful in
this life.
A large, airy room was fitted up for
Ediths mother; for she was not to be
slowed in some out-of-the-way corner. but
the best and most comfortable place was
arranged for the dear old lady, who would
have broug ht sunshine into any household.
Time passed on
Through wales of grass and meads of flowers
The plows their burrows made,
While on the hills the sun and flowers
Of changeful April played.'
Edith was very busy now. for when the
days of April should be gone, the wedding
was to take place.
With her mothers assistance, her ward
robe had been prepared with her own
hands. There was nothing for mere show;
everything had been selected with great
care; and was designed for service for
Edith had early learned habits of economy.
Miss Melvina Longtongue, in a conf
dental chat with her especial friend. Miss
Jerusha Walker declared that Edith Vent
nor was the plainest and most old fashion
ed girl that ever lived in l..
Il think it's shame, Jerusha, for anv
one to be as stingy as those Ventnors-
with their terrible lady-like airs Gall put
on. l dare say y they've made every last
one of the wedding clothes themselves
aud, if you'll believe me, Edith, actually
trimmed her own hat tp'
Its well enough. s'pose. for her to
be savin' ; for they do say that Mr. Lanes
opposed to the match. and don't intend to
give Walter much and it's good enough