Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-08-08
NO. 100.
Gales ano Skettbes.
THE MOTHERS srRArAGEM.
BY ISADORE ROGERS.

ward and impulsive girl, ignorant Of the
ways of the world. yet too wise in her own
conceit to listen to the advice of those
whom age and relationship entitle to give
it, causes to the hearts of those who un-
selfishly seek to guard her welfare
Such were the reflections of Mrs. Hamp-
ton as she sat alone in her quiet room one
evening, after heryoung and pretty daugh-
ter had gone out with party of acquain-
tances. These reflections were caused by
the marked attentions which certain
Young man was bestowing upon the love-
ly daughter. for whom the mother felt 80
much sOlicitude
Harvey Wade was a handsome young
man, of respectable parentage. but Mrs.
llampton's observing eye had detected the
fact that he possessed disagreeable char
acteristics which would cause him to be
an unpleasant companion and prevent her
daughter from enjoying the greatest I
all earthly blessings, happy and har-
monious home, if she should become his
wife. She did not dare to let matters take
their natural course. because indications
were in favor of such result and she
knew, also, that there was a strong favor
of perversity in the girls nature that need
ed only the spur of opposition to impel
her to rash and hasty step.
Mrs. Hampton was not the woman to
stand idly by and see her daughters hap
piness wrecked upon the shoals Of an un-
happy marriage without making an effort
to prevent it. and so she cautiously laid
her plans for future action.
Virginia" she said on the following
morning, "Mr. Wade has serious inten-
tions of becoming member of our fami-
| ly, has he not a'
"You are very quick to guess" replied
the girl; 1T was only last night that he
mentioned il"
..And from the favor with which you
seem to regard him do not suppose that
he urged his suit in vain ?" asked the
mother.
Not in vain, by any means" replied
Virginia. 81 am sure can be happy with
no other. but didn't see fit to tell him so
last night"
"And why not, may ask p" inquired
Mrs. Hampton.
81 did not mean that he should think
that was too easily won," said the girl.
.and so delayed my answer" r
THAT was a sensible thought" replied
the mother; 81 wonder that it occurred to
YOU"
II am not so thOughtless ss seem;
three months hence will be time enough.
but know my heart already"
IL should like to be better acquainted
with him. said Mrs. Hampton. II wish
you would invite him to spend his even-
ings here in the family frequently. do
not want my son-in-law to seem like
stranger"
you seem to be more willing to part
with me than supposed you would be.
expected to hear lecture about my
youth and inexperience, at least"
"You will hear no such thing" said
Mrs. Hampton. ''You are seventeen years
old and if you don't know your own mind
you ought to-"
Il am surprised that you offer no objec-
tions. Iwould have followed him across
the Rocky Mountains, though" said Vir-
ginia, disappointedly.
''You won't get the chance said Mrs.
Hampton decidedly. "Whadobectionc could
possibly have to handsome young man
like Harvey Wade ?''
II don't know. am sure, but he rather
expected it."
He is very much mistaken, and shall
take all possible pains TO convince him of
his error. Besides, YOU know that this is
an affair of your own ;-if he proves to be
as dsagreeable as hedgehog, shan't
have to live with him. You have right
to choose for yourself, and it seems you
have chosen All that remains for me to
do is to make you both as happy as possi-
ble''
Mrs. Hampton not only extended cor
dial invitation to Mr. Wade to visit them
frequently. but instructed Virginia's broth
ers to do the same. and ere long he be-
came almost constant visitor. Mrs.
Hampton always spoke of him to Virginia
as her intended husband, and when an in
vitation came from his sisters for Virginia
to spend week with them, the mother ac-
cepted it at once, without consulting the
young lady herself.
at will be an excellent opportunity for
YOU to become accustomed to the ways of
the family" she said ''you may be
obliged to live with them awhile, for YOU
know that Harvey is not able to begin
housekeeping upon his own account Just
yet, and although we will do as well as
we can by you. we could not fit you
out with an establishment of your own at
present. and you need feel no delicacy
about going. for Harvey will not be at
home this week.
Il wish you had consulted me before
YOU sent reply" said Virginia, pettish-
ly, but nevertheless she went.
"How did you enjoy your visit ?" asked
Mrs. Hampton, when her daughter re-
turned.
well enough" answered Virginia.
evasively, and Mrs. Hampton observed
that she was becoming more silent and
thoughtful than she had ever been before.
IL do not like Mrs. Wade,' she said
few days afterward.
"Why not ?" asked her mother.
because she is an overbearing and dis
agreeable person." answered the girl.
"Why. Virginia" exclaimed her moth
er, THAT will never do; you must not
speak in such a manner of your future
mother-in-law What would your intend
ed husband think of such remark COLI
cerning his mother p
II believe she thinks Harvey can have
me for the asking"
well, she is correct enough in her
opinions, isn't she? You need not be Of
Tended at that Virginia stood looking
out of the window in contemptuous silence.