Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-05-28
GEORGE GARNETT'S RUSE;
How Il Wife was Won.
BY J. E. II.
The BaltimOrean.

81 think, George. we had better walk
we are both hearty and strong; and be-
sides, it's too expensive to ride in one of
these city coaches"
These remarks were addressed to the
husband of Clara Marsden, after she
had been told by him that a carriage
had been engaged to convey them to a
stopping place on their arrival at the de-
pot in New York city.
George Garrett was the only son of a
widow, left in opulent circumstances by
the death of her husband, James Gar
nett, wealthy banker of New York.
Besides George, the widow Garnett had
two aughters-Mamie and Fannie
tall and stylish brunettes, possessing
all the graces and accomplishments
that wealth and education could be-
stow.
Unlike most of mothers, Mrs. Gar
nett's affection seemed to centre on her
son, and she fairly lavished her wealth
upon the favored young man. A vast
amount was expended upon his educa-
ton, and he finished at Harvard Col
lege, graduating with the highest hon.
Ors.
In early life, George had displayed a
remarkable talent for music; and full
scope was given for its developm ent;
and before he arrived at mans estate,
he could manipulate the keys of the pi-
ano with the dexterity of Gottschalk,
and draw the bow of a violin with the
skill Of a frst-class artist.-In person
George was a little above the medium
height, with light brown hair and eyes,
and a handsomely chiseled face, adorn-
ed with becoming moustache and side
whiskers, q Ia Dundreary. Such is q
description of George Garrett, and is it
any wonder that so many doting moth
ers having manageable daughters,
within bis large circle of acquaintance,
should have been so anxious to secure
him as sOn-in-laW?
Mrs. Garrett was vain, proud woman
of the world, and had set her heart
upon making a brilliant match for her
son, and from amid numerous circle
OF acquaintance, she had selected one
whom she thought would prove an &C
ceptable daughter-in-law. But, alas! for
the perversities of human nature, and
despite the entreaties of the mother,
George, after long and serious reflection,
could not reconcile it to himself to mar
ry Ellen Montague. Miss Montague
was pronounced blonde, beautiful, but
tickle, giddy-headed, and proud as Lu-
cifer; while George, with all his luxu-
rlOus training, was possessed of an I'M
common "level head" Astounding with
good sense, and fairly loathed the fri
volities and hollow-heartedness of the
so-called fashionable society. He de-
termined to tear himself from these
fashionable butterflies, and seek one
who would love him for himself alone,
and not allow wealth to be taken into
consideration at ALL In order to do so,
he concluded after mature reflection, to
adopt q ruse.
Notwithstanding the disparity OF their
situations In life, George Garrett formed
a strong attachment to Harry Wilcher,
a handsome young fellow of noble i'm
pulses, the only support Of widowed
mother, who possessed an education
considerably above the average, and
who followed the occupation of house
painting.
To young Wilcher George made
known his future designs, and applied
to learn the mysteries of the trade,
which proposition was gladly received
by the young painter.
After diligent application George
Garrett soon mastered the secrets OF
the trade, and set about to carry his
plans into execution.
He notified his mother of desire to
enjoy the coming summer in the coun-
try and in travelling, to which she gave
her consent.
Accordingly, early in the month OF
May, George, attired in an ordinary but
well fitting suit of clothing, started
upon his eventful mission.
After houndering around for while,
he pitched his tent. SO to speak, in the
handsome little town of W., New York
state, where he secured a Job.
By industry and attention to business
George soon gained the confidence OF
his employer, and was assigned the
best parts of the trade, for by this time
he could handle the brush with the skill
of frst-class hand.
On sultry day in the latter part oil
June, while George was mounted upon
a ladder, painting the back building
of private residence, the stiffness oil
the air was broken by the bird-like
warblings Of some fair creature IN an
adjoining house. She was singing that
beautiful operate aria, Make Me nc
Gaudy Chaplets,' great favorite with
him.
As the charming notes hoated upon
the air, his senses were filled with de
light. Never had he heard such 8
voice-so different from the shrieks o.
many of his city bellies. Such voice
so pure, SO musical, so resonant.
Clara Marsden, the young lady who
SO electrified the heart of George Gar
nett, was the only daughter of William
Marsden, well-to-do country merchant
and of good standing in the community
She was of medium height, with bright
hazel eyes, dark brown, glossy ringlets
and form that Hebe might envy.
Miss Marsden was tho principa