Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1884-10-10
ELEVATED 10 THE PEERAeE.

concerning family pride. ,.. ga. .....
"Iwas devotedly attached to Priscilla
Ridman, ",said Mr.. Andrews, "and after
being fully assured that my love was re-
turned, approached old man Ridman;
who had ever been 4 friend Of our family,
and asked his consent to our union"
Certainly, Caleb said he. Certain
ly, for to tell you the Truth l have had my
eye OH you for some time, because know
that you will make good husband. Be-
sides this, it is well that our families
should be united -... .... ...
"When can the marriage take place"
asked. ... ..,.. ODD. -s..r. ......
"tOh, any time, or rather as soon rs ar
ransements can be made .. ......u
81 was delighted with the old mans
frankness. His face seemed 4 model OF
noble expression. My father agreed with
me concerning the old man Ridman, but
my mother, woman-likc, would not agree
that he deserved any credit, and dropped
mild hint that the Ridman family was
not any better than hers, that her mother
was old Major Haryey's daughter, and
that none of the Harvey stock need feel
elated even il the governor Of the state
should grant the hand of his daughter.
This was all very well, and quite natural,
my mother necessarily being woman,
but with me it robbed old man Ridman
OF none of the nobility with which had
surrounded him. Extensive preparations
for the wedding were made, and doubt
that there was ever happier clodhopper
than l. The marriage was TO take place
at noon on Thursday. War had been de-
clared between the States, and, after the
ceremony, ], as captain of company, was
to march away, regretful at such an early
separation from my young wife, but happy
In the thought that would be envied BY
all the young men in the neighborhood.
Tuesday evening went over to Ridman's
house. He did not welcome me in his
usual outburst of why, my dear boy, how
are you?' and thought he must be ILL.,"
"'Mr. Andrews, said he, 'let me see
you moment
"Therc, was a chiliness in his voice and
an expression in his eyes which could
not quite understand. ..r
ale led the way down to the pen where
the hogs were earrng.- Placing his right
arm over the fence, he turned to me with
M, - Of inn and said.
"I believe there has been some little
talk in regard to \ marriage between you
and my daugh.er?' ..,....l ....
az looked at him in astonishment, and
replied affirmatively." ..f. ARP m
"'Sucl union is now impossible
"'Why?' | gasped. .
"'Why " he exclaimed. why, indeed.
You certainly cannot have heard Of the
governors action concerning me. He has
appointed me justice Of the peace. a
Judge, sir, under the confederate govern
ment This war, young man, is intended
to define social lines. 1t is to confirm an
qrstocracy which for years has been
growing. You are quite respectable
young man, with fair education, but you
cannot hope to marry into the nobility.
Before | was elevated TO the peerage,
gave my consent TO your union with NY
daughter, but now, sir, in duty bound to
myself and family, am forced to rescind
my former action
"My blood rose. Sir" exclaimed,
"you forget that l am a captain in the
Confederate army
81 seek not to rob you of any laureIs
that you have won. n captain can make
his position honorable, but he is By no
means Squire. If you attain the rank
of general, then shall be pleased to re-
consider this decision, but until then or
some similar elevation, must discounte-
nance your association with my daughter.
"'Docs your daughter share your opn-
ion?'
"'My daughter may not share, but she
accepts my opinion. She could not do
otherwise
81 went home. 'The old fool " said my
father, when had told him. III go over
and whale lin till he can't stand up and
it was rs much rs l could do TO dissuade
him from his violent purpose"
'Iwent into the war without seeing the
girl again. Just before Lees surrender,
/ was promoted to the rank of brigadlcr-
general. After peace was declared l re-
turned home. Miss Ridman had not mar
ried, aud was told that she had never
ceased to grieve for me.
"One evening strolled over to see her.
The sitting-room door was open, and see-
ing no one within, entered and sat down.
Shutting footsteps told of some ones ap-
proach. Old man Ridman entered. He
looked at me moment and said:
"Have you come back 10 taunt mes'
=" NO, old man, having attained the
rank of general, have come back to
marry your daughter
"How do you know, sir, that will
consent?'
"'You said that all barriers would be
removed should attain the rank Of gem
eral.' @
"'Yes. bnt you are only brigadier-
general. Well, as did not specify what