The Portland daily press., 1881-02-12
The Literary Lady and the English
Squire.
Boston Letter to H,arford Post. !

lDossou l-ctteI 10 daTSIOrQ Post
In Mr.. M. d. Conway last paper "the Eng
lish Lakes and Their Genii" in Harper's, the
name OF certain worthy baronet and M. P.
is given, which have withheld, lest it let the
reader too suddenly into the inner history of a
romantic episode which happened here some
years ago, and is not yet forgotten. Let the
stranger turn to Harper, and find out, by in
stinct, which it is. A brother of this baronet.
while travelling, stranger in this country,
became the instrument for bringing, by a yerv
subtitle influence, Boston, New Hampshire and
"The Lakes" into close relationship with
each other. Over the magazine and newspa-
per department. of the Boston Public Library
presided young lady of twenty-five, fair, of
robust health, finely formed, intelligent, and
OF excellent address-who was an intellectual
queen in her little domain, knowing few who
came, but waiting upon all with the dignity
OF accomplished ladyhood. There was one
visitor, who, from not being especially dis
tinguished at first, became remarkably so by
the constancy OF his attendance. Every day
found him occupying a particular position,
with his magazine or paper in his hand, and it
was remarked that his attent ton seemed to be
directed more to the young lady than to what
he was reading.
Now cat may look upon king, but ques-
tion that if cat were to sit every day looking
over the top of magazine at him, his Majesty
would not "off with his head" or summon
some one to do it for him. A young lady thus
looked at has no remedy, even if she object,
and the young lady under notice first tried to
feel Indifferent; then she became annoyed,
then indignant, and probably appeared so, at
the surveillance, but had no redress. He was
well-seeming man, modest, quiet, genteel,
and his attention the most respectful, and his
eyes were unobjectionable as eyes, but decid-
edly so for the use to which they were put. By
and-Dy there were overtures from the eyes, and
by other avenues, for an interview, which was
denied emphatically. Then the intercession of
friends was sought, but without effect, and, at
last, by womanly stratagem, the two were
brought together-shs shy and reluctant, he ar
dent and manly-and In the interview he told
her who he was, his position in English socie-
ty (the brother of baronet), his admiration
Tor her, as shown by his attention.
and begged her to marry him. This she refused
until he should show his vouchers. Her shrewd
New Hampshire training did not encourage SO
doubtful an alliance. Exacting a consent,
however, from her to wait until he should
supply all proofs, he left Boston. But not for
long, Tor in month or so he returned and
presented abundant testimony of his identity,
with letters from his lady mother and sisters
of very affectionate character, and doubts
ceased so far as the lady was concerned, but
the ''old folks at home' must be consulted be-
fore she would consent. So up he went to
New Hampshire for them to ratify the bond,
where he fought harder than ST. Paul did with
the wild beast at Ephesus to secure their as
sent, and returning, found that brother had
anticipated him a train to get to Boston first
and discourage the match. The lady. con-
vinced of the integrity of his character and his
true affection, listened to no sinister persua-
sion, but said. as Rebekah did, though not so
readily, "I'll go. She is now the wife of an
opulent English squire, by the beautiful lakes,
is beloved by all who know her, and adorns
the distinguished family circle to which she
was called. And thus the connection exists
between Boston and "Wordsworthshire."