Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes Co., O. [Ohio]) 1870-1895, 1873-02-20

most persistent anu uefo'eu one oeiiS
an Englishman, very worthy young
man, and of noble birth-a young lord.
She has given her heart to him; and
nothing can do or say will have any
effect to change her. I've told them
both never would consent to a union
between them. So have brought her
over to visit her mothers relatives, ho-
ping absence may work a favorable
change over her.
al never will consent to my daugh-
ter's marrying any but one Of my own
countrymen. 1 love my countrymen.
I love nv country and all her sons, and
none other will 1 call mine, of noble
birth though they may be. Another
reason: have other views for her. A
high position here she has the oppor-
tunity of holding, and would almost
as soon see her"
"Dead.' asked the priest in hollow
almost frightful tone, Gas to thwart your
wishes?'' he continued.
swell, not exactly that perhaps,
but"
"Stop. 1 will tell you story, from
which you may profit" said the priest
"Less than ten years ago, in. this
State, lived man high in social and po-
litical position, of very decided opinion
and strong prejudice. He had no kind
ly feeling toward any man adverse to
his way of thinking. His time, his
money, were all devoted to the advance
ment of his political views. In the
same legislative body with himself was
a Young man-one of fine mind, bril-
liant talents, and swiftly rising career
belonging to the opposite side of pol
itics. The older man beheld in the
young one the probable check to his
own advancement. He hated him for
his opinions; he was jealous Of his
favor with the people. They were
thrown much together in the social cir
Gle, young Hastings society being eour-
ted by the first families of the State. In
one of these he met the daughte, Of the
man whose rival he was. He soon
learned to love her, and sought the IA
ther to obtain permission to offer her
his hand. Feeling confident in his own
worthiness, his heart was buOyant with
bright anticipations. Judge of his sur
prise to be met with absolute rudeness,
and firm, decided refusal; giving him
no explanation or reason, save that
such a union was very Objectionable,
and never would be listened to with any
favor. In vain Hastings pleaded, and
finally departed, feeling sure that to
political prejudice alone he owed his re-
Lection. The father then sought his
daughter, his only child, and command
ed her to dismiss from her mind any
idea of young Hastings ever being more
than mere acquaintance. Deaf to all
her entreaties, regardless of his wife's
earnest solicitations for their child's
happiness, he continued. Daily he saw
the unmistakable signs of the deep sor-
row he was causing. He knew he was
crushing the light frona-esat that young
heart, hitherto so bright and joyous.
The sunshine of his home he saw grad
ually fading beneath his harsh treat
ment, yet there came not one thought
of relenting-one pang of remorse.
"Poor child! she was subjected to
the severest scrutiny; every action
watched, kept almost prisoner, for
fear she might meet her lover while
visiting her friends. Every chance
which might either bring hope or COM
fort was guarded against. The fathers
will was the law of the whole planta-
ton; no one dared to oppose or evade it.
"Weeks passing on brought the birth
day of the poor girl, eighteen years
only, and life without one hope for her
twas the fathers custom to bestow
some boon, or crafty any wish his
daughter might desire on the day.
"The hours wore on, and she came
not as she was wont, to place her arms
round her fathers neck and whisper
her wish. ..rl-.a.
"For the first time since her infant
tongue could lisp, "Papa, please" he
missed the joy Of blessing and making
his child happy.
Hard and unyielding as he was, rhi:
silence was keenly felt, and spoke more
i, forcibly to the fathers heart than al
the words of entreaty, and the tears Sc
often stealing quietly down the pal'
cheeks. Yet he could not relent. While
, brooding over this, servant came il
and placed the papers and letters from
the post-office before him.
> The quick eye of Rose, his child
caught what had not then met his, ant
springing forward and clasping he
arms around him, she cried:
"Papa, my birthday wish! That let
), ter, give it me-oh, dO?"
Looking at the one she was pointing
to, he beheld inscribed, in clear, man
ly hand, his daughters name. Takini
it up and examining the post-mark, h
, found it was from the neighboring city
Surmising the author, he said:
"Do you know from whom it iss"
"Oh, yes! Give it to me, papa. Gran
= me this boon to-dayv'
"Rose, anything else, but this can
!, not. Danish that man from your min'
and heart, and be my own bright, lov
q ing girl again. We will go and travel
: little one, and you will soon forget thi
n cloud" said her father.
"No, no, papa! Give me time, papa
i Perhaps he may be going away, an
that letter is to say good-by. Oh, Civ
q me some little comfort for his absence
q Let me have that to read first, and 1 viii
Q return it to you. You may see all h
v says she pleaded.
q "Foolish girl! You. would cling t
. this comparative stranger against you
= parents will! You would resign til
= love of years for his! You should hav
more confidence in the judgment
~ your father, believing he seeks you
: happiness. Say no more; you canno
have this letter."
"Papa, have mercy! Remembe
h your own young love. AS my mothe
|. loved you, SO love l Earnest Hastings
With perfect confidence in his worth
n ness, would cling to him to the end @
). life. You may force me to give him VI
- but will never cease to love him unit