Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1878-10-11
OONOUERING HIM.


II was the month of December, and
the coldest day of the season. The sun
had set in clear and brilliant sky; the
stars came out and sparkled and flashed
through the clear atmosphere like dia-
monds. The pedestrians, mufiled to
the eyes in furs, moved rapidly along,
and, as they passed beneath the street
lamps, their breaths were visible like a
cloud of white smoke streaming behind
them.
The watchmen threshed their arms
against their sides, and tramped heavily
with their feet to circulate the blood,
while the coaches dashed by like
meteors, the horses moving as if winged,
their chests and shoulders white with
the hoary frest. A fine pair of bays at
tached to q vehicle containing four
persons, wrapped well in furs, moved
spiritedly along fashionable thorough
fare, and, stopping at length before the
elegant residence of James Harcourt.
the wealthy banker, the occupants of
the back seat prepared themselves to
alight, the horses, meanwhile, stamp
ing restlessly upon the ground their
fore feet, as though impatient to reach
shelter from the biting air.
A young man of splendid physique
sprang out upon the ground, and as
sisting his companion to her feet,
caught the young girl in his stalwart
arms and deposited her at the head of
awalk leading to side entrance of the
mansion.
"Shall we await you, Harry?" came
musical voice from the carriage.
mo; thanks, Mrs. Clavering," re-
piled Harry. - have a few words
further to say before taking my leave"
Under the silvery light of the moon
the two young people passed slowly up
the walk, and as they paused beneath
a broad porch, Harry was saying:
Away from you, dear Grace, / shall
be continually tormented with the
thought that your father, through your
affection for him, may manage to in
duce you to consent to a marriage with
that fellow Lestern-'
Never, Harry, neverr' interrupted
Miss Harcourt, a determined light
flashing from her fine blue eyes, for
would die sooner than marry him:
man | do not love. But defer your
journey, please, for ten days-a week
1.-THE pain of separation will be
equally hard then as now, dear child.n
said Harry, tenderly.
VERY true, Harry. But / have a
plan in my mind-a mere skeleton,
however, as yet, by which hope that
papa may see his error in sending you
away from u.s."
"Think not to change his mind when
once his purpose has become fixe6,"
said Harry, gravely. "Ihave admired
his tirmness of character, but l find
that man may be too firm in his indi-
vidual belief. However, it is my pow
erty, and only that, to which your
father objects. Indeed he told me as
much. Wealth, povertyr' he contin-
ued bitterly. "Do not recognize their
full significance, words opposite in
meaning as the antipodes, vet perhaps
the primary cause of equal misery in
this world of oursP But whether /
shall be successful in my efforts after
wealth or not, will return and claim
you, my precious love; and will toll
day and night, if need be, to keep Won
in comfort, that no wish of yours NAV
remain ungratified."
"Do you think, Harry" she broke in
proudly. "that l will permit YOU to
wear your life away that 1 may be kept
in luxurious idlenessP Fortunately, [
have received good, sound education,
and not a superficial one. And there
are many ways in which l can help you.
Harry-indeed l have already formed
my plans"
, "Heaven bless you, my dear girl. for
your courage, faith and love. But for
give me, dear, for OBTAINING you SO long
outside, for your father, no doubt,
here"
james Harcourt had been warm
personal friend of Harry Wentworth's
father, an Episcopal clergyman, and it
was on visit to his friend short time
previous to DIR. Wentworth's death that
Mr.. Hareourt, struck with Harry man.
ly and intelligent bearing, then and
there proposed to take the lad into his
clearinghouse and make of him a man
of business.
Assured of Mr.. Harcourt's probity
of character, and aware, also, that the
sands of his own life were nearly spent,
DIR. Wentworth gladly availed himself
OF his friends generous offer, and thus
at the age of fourteen Harry became
an inmate of the bankers princely
home.
The little Grace, ten years of age,
had taken Harry into her heart as a
brother, making him her confidant and
playmate as well, each succeeding year
serving only TO knit their hearts so firm
ly together that the idea of separation
became intolerable to them.
But six months prior to the opening
of our story the young couple were
startled from their dream OF love by
the announcement that Albert Lestern,
a reputed millionaire, had proposed for
the hand of Grace in marriage, the
banker having accepted, in his daugh-
ter's name, the young mans suit.
The idea that an ardent attachment
might result from the intimacy exist
ing between Harry and his daughter
had never suggested itself TO the fa-
ther's mind, therefore, when Harry fol-
lowed him into the library, and there
confessed his love for the beautiful
Grace, and begged permission for
union with her, Mr. Harcourt stood
aghast TO think the portionless young
man had dared 10 speak of love in con.
nection with his daughter, the heiress
OF millions. The wealthy banker had
planned brilliant future for his only
child. Should he sacrifice the childish