Connecticut western news., 1877-05-18
Won by Fire.

CT cannot understand why you take no interest in John Bramwel," said Mrs. Marley, addressing her daughter Mary, who, book in hand, was seated near the library window. "You know that his prospects are excellent, to say nothing of the wealth his father left him." continued Mrs. Marley.
 Mary made no reply. and Mrs. Marley further remarked: 'He is the hand somest man in town, and you can't gainsay that"
 As if feeling that some reply was needed to this last remark, Mary Mar ley closed her book and said:
 "I grant you that he is handsome ; but when marry, my husband must have better passport to fame than a pretty face"
 Mrs Marley slightly raised her eye brows, and gazed at her daughter with a look of unfeigned surprise. GA better passport to fame than a pretty face Why, what do you mean, Mary? John Bramwel1 is rich, handsome and of good family. He certainly has talents that win compare favorably with most young men of our day, and what more do you want!"
 CT don't want any more, ;" replied the daughter, with yawn. Es.
 Mrs. Marley was getting impatient her fingers worked nervously with the silken fringe of her dress. "But John Bramwell loves you," she continued, "and there is not girl in the city who does not envy you, and yet you persist in treating him as distantly as if he was almost new acquaintance. Now, this Is what do not comprehend"
 Mary Marley laid the book upon the table with so much method and in so decided a manner, that it was plain to be seen that she meant business.
 "Wel," she replied, "I will endea- vor to make you comprehend just how feel toward John Bramwen. like him about as well as could any man who knows that he is handsome and presumes upon it. If there is anything on earth that do detest, it is man who is so handsome that almost every girl is in love with him. I never could love a man who was admired by all for his good looks. Therefore, wish you to understand that I feel toward John Bramwen as would toward any person in whom have no permanent interest. His stock in trade, take it, is his good looks; and should as soon think of eating my goldfineh for its singing, as marrying man for his beauty. It is scarcely possible that will ever marry handsome man, but should have the opportunity, 1might marry man of talent"
 Mrs. Marley held up both of her hands in sort of mock dismay.
 'To hear you talk in such wayp' she exclaimed. "You, who have nc beauty you, who are not over-talented you, who never had but one admirer, and that one John Bramwell, and you cast him of! Oh! 'tis too hard to en- dure all this," and she arose from her seat and left the room, sobbing like g child.
 Mary did not offer to follow her mother but she sat still and looked straight down to the carpet, while g frown settled upon her face. She was thinking of all that had passed between John Bramwell and herself that day Bramwell had come to the house for the purpose of offering himself to Mary Marley; but with the intuitiveness o1 women she perceived his object tand de feated his purpose, and John Bramwel saw 1t and understood it as well as Mary Marley did herself.
 John Bramwell was handsome man but he was also an indolent man. Ht did not appear to have any particular aim in life, except 1t was perhaps, tt dress with exquisite taste, and feel flat tered when lady looked upon him.
 Among the many things that Mis- Marley was noted for, was her kindnes and consideration for those of her se1 who were struggling with adverse cir cumstances. Among these was poo dACSSuudhcI Ahy who was the sole support of an infirn mother.
 Bramwell had frequently met thi young girl at Mrs. Marley's, and learning her necessities and the patienc with which she labored to support he mother, he from time to time had givel Mrs. Marley generous donations o money to aid the girl in her laudabl conduct. But before he did SO, he ex tracted a solemn promise from Mrs Marley that she would not mention tn fact to any person, more particularl, her daughter Mary. Oft times whel her daughter asked for some proof of Bramwell's good works, she fel strongly tempted to give her evidence but the regard she bore Bramwell kep