Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1882-09-04
'sFOr Better, for Worse"

4 O1 DOUUCAe AOA w Va oOs
"He is the worst of all characters
for husband-an idle man-Hattie,
and, l fear, he adds to it the base
ness of fortune-hunter.
"You shall not speak so of him
| will not listen to the SANDER He
loves me-of that [ am convinced.
| have not been an heiress so long
not to have learned when man lies
and feigns a passion for interest,
when'-and her voice grew richer
and lower-''he speaks to me from
his heart. | have tested him, weigh
ed him well he has faults, many of
them, but deceit is not one. He loves
me -
Mr.. Stewart looked sadly at the
agitated girl as, carried away with
her own generous warmth, she left
her seat and stood erect before him.
"Uncle Lewis, trust me, trust him.
Let me be his wife with your con-
sent"
''Of what avail will it be for me to
refuse, Hattie? You are eighteen
tomorrow, and by your fathers will
free to choose your husband; your
property becomes your own, and my
office as your guardian ceases"
''But not your position as my
friend, my uncle, my second father.
Can you think I was bound to obey
you by none but legal ties; that my
love, respect and submission were
paid only to my guardian? | come
to you, not as the guardian whose
power expires tomorrow, but as the
friend who, / trust, will stand by me
through life; | come for counsel, af
lection and advice. Do not tell me
coldIy that I am free to choose my
own lot. Speak to me now as you
have always done-as if | were your
child"
''Hattie, Hattie, how can | speak?
If truly, l shall grieve you. But you
are right; you come to friend for
counsel, and he will speak as friend
should. Review Edward Du Rand's
life, and see if | am not justified in
my fears. Raised by parents whose
means were just sufficient to give
him liberal education and support
him independent of business. Their
small fortune he inherited on their
death, and lost by speculation, leav-
ing him mere pitance. He had
studied law, and with energy and in
dustry could have carved out fort
une and name. What did he do?
Absolutely nothing. With fasci-
mating manner and splendid educa
ton he cultivated every refined taste,
indulged in every extravaganza and
lives life of complete idleness, with
means barely to support him. His
office is a lounging place for men of
fashion, who repay his hospitality by
inviting him to the opera, rides or
drives. To crown all he woos an
heiress, that her purse may supply
him with perfumes, kid gloves and
fast horses"
ssYou are severe"
81 fear l am just
"Take the reverse of the picture.
Edward was an only child, of fine
talents, and the pride of both par
ents. From his birth every whim
was indulged, every caprice met
compliance his profession was stud
led merely as refuge in case of ne
cessity, and he was launched an Or
phan upon the world with cultivated
mind, refined tastes, extravagant de-
sires and an easy fortune. The
roguery of a friend persuaded him to
the speculation which ruined him.
He stood alone. His income was
sufficient for single man; he was
popular in society, courted by men
for his wit and good humor and his
proficiency in athletic exercises; by
ladies for his talent in conversation,
music and gallantry. Without any
time to pass in floating lazily down
the tide of time, content to let each
day find its own occupation. Then
he met me, and his whole view of
| life changed. For my sake he will
renew his studies, open his office for
business and begin new life. Don't
shake your head SO mournfully; trust
to woman's heart and instinct.
There is mine of good in this spoil.
ed child heart; let me be the agent
by which it is worked to produce
good fruit. He stands now in a per.
| ilous position my refusal will throw