The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1874-01-01
TRAGIC ROMANCE or THE
WILLIE DUHAVRE.
,From thc New York GranhIcA

From the New York GraphIc.}
A large, wooden building, dilapidated
and weather-beaten, suggesting in its ar
chltecture something of old time elegance
and comfort, stands on Fifth avenue. near
( Seventy-sixth street 1t faces the park,
and from lis size and evident age, attracts
the notice Of every-passer-bv. 1t is front
81 by portico, from the roof of which,
looking little to north Of west one can
easily see clump of cedars occupying
high ground in almost the centre of Cen
trial park The cedars are of long growth.
and 20 years ago their branches cast their
shadows against the structure of which We
are speaking, The house was formerly
the residence Of one of our oldest and
most aristocratic families When the
construction Of the park was determined
on the ground was purchased by the city,
and the house was removed 10 the loca-
ton 1t now occupies, the families chang
ing their residence for a more pretentious
and modern one further down. Before
the date Of their removal, however a
daughter was born in the old homestead,
who ms years passed away, grew up beau
tltul and accomplished. Her parents were
devoted 70 her, and she enjoyed the cul- +
ture and the luxury which their ample /
means commanded. She received "a fine 4
education, and arriving at womanhood "A 4
few years since she entered society and /
was as much admired for her mental ac- /
cOmplishments as Tor the graces of her .
person. An heiress to a large fortune,
her admirers were many, and highly eligi-
bic offers were made her. Her heart,
however, remained free until few months
since, when she met a young man OF South-
ern parentage, an employee in down
town house. His character and connec-
ii ms are said to be irreproachable, and be
is stated 10 he worthy the highest esteem
in every way. The heiress made deep
impression upon him, and he began 10
pay his suit to her. With a discernment
that confirms the good sense and discre-
ton attributed to her, she perceived the
worthlness of her sutton and encouraged
his attentions. The young man proceed
ed from the outset in manly, honorable
manner, and as soon a. he saw that an
equal attachment was the reward of his
own, he sought an interview with the faith
er of the young lady and asked his per
mission to make proposal of marriage.
The father received him courteously, but
and knew him to he of unimpeachabIe
character and associations, there was
serious and to him insurmountable obsta-
Gle to a union. You are poor young
man, said he, "and have your way TO
make in the world. have always inten-
ded that my daughter shall marry man
whose fortune equals that which shall be
hers. For thi, reason, which is with me
one of grave importance, | hope there
will be no more Of this | esteem you,
and believe you to be gentleman of hon
or, and trust you will have regard for
my feelings in this manner. The young
man replied that be should never enter
any family an unwelcome member. lie
loved the vopng lady, and, loving her,
would have endeavored 10 make her hap
py, provided he could have obtained the
free consent Of her parents to a marriage
But ~ this could not be- he would cease
his visits. He did SO, and the young la
dy saw him no more. At first she won
dered, then sorrowed, and finally a set
tied dependency took possession Of her.
Her parents, neither Of whom had told
her that her lover had asked her hand Of
them, sought yainIy 10 divert and arouse
her from state Of mind which began To
cause them serious uneasiness. Atlength
they planned It trip to Europe for herr
and, although the season Of the year was
not that in which pleasure Journeys thith-
er are usually undertaken, they made all
haste to get her of. She herself was ut
terly Indifferent, and saw the preparations
for her departure hurried without NANTES
ting any interest in them or the projected
journey. Her friends, hearing Of her in
tended departure, gathered to wish her {
a happy trip and y safe return. The abb 4
sence Of a vivacity and sprightliness nat {
ural to her was generally noticed, and is
at present much commented on. Finally
the day Of departure arrived, and from
the dock the girls's parents waved their
farewells and their prayers went up for
her salty and happiness.
The ship steamed gallantIy out to sea
and was lost to sight Days after came
the news of terrible disaster. The YES
sci was the Vile du Havre, and the
name Of the daughter was on the list Of
the lost.