The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1884-07-09
THE CRUEL MARRIAGE
BY T. c. T.

influence in the business world.
In consequence of his close atten
ton to business, he had contracted
the false habit OF measuring men by
dollars. Mrs. Chandler's proud ma
ture conformed to the same princi
pie in her choice of society.
They had but one child, upor
whom they lavished all the affection
that could exist in their cold ma
lures.
/ Eugenia Chandler, the beautiful
affectionate and warm-hearted CIR
Of eighteen summers, would hav,
never been taken for the child of Or
thell Chandler, and, notwithstanding
the teaching and influences arounc
her, she retained a noble spiri
of concession, being modest and re
firing.
Wilbur Lockwood, the correSpon
ding clerk of the law firm of Chand
Ter IL Corning, was young man o
prepossessing appearance and higf
moral standing. The possession o
fine business talent had won hin
the confidence and esteem OF tn,
firm.
His position necessarily brough
him frequently to Mr.. Chandler:
house, where he became acquainted
with Eugenia.
Although these meetings were
short and at long intervals, vet tht
kindred natures of the two had
kindled the spark of love deep il
their souls.
Wilbur Lockwood was aware o
the gulf that lay between them il
social standing, and his sense o
honor would not allow him to tax,
the advantage that his position gave
him. Accordingly, after careful
consideration, he concluded to Lay
before Mr.. Chandler his hopes, and
gain his permission to seek the hand
of his daughter.
Wilbur Lockwood was not the
only one who aspired to the hano
of the heiress.
Orthington, the wealthy old bach.
elor, had found his withered heart
warmed by the quiet sparkle of Eu-
genia's eye, and Mr.. and Mrs. Chan
dler saw the preference shown their
child, and were nourishing bright
hopes for her future.
"What a grand match that will
make" said Mrs. Chandler to her
husband.
"Then, to think Mr.. Orthington
has really taken liking to our
childw
Cant / see ?" replied Mrs Chan
dler, while a smile of triumph fit
ted across her cold, marble feat
ures.
Have you spoken to Eugenia
upon the subject ?"
"Oh, no; she will of course see
the advantage of the offer, and over
look the difference in their ages"
"That is an advantage. Mature
age gives stability to character"
Here the subject was dropped.
Wilbur Lockwood seized the first
opportunity that presented itself OF
communicating his views to his en-
ployer.
After the business ofthe day had
been settled that called him to Mr.
Chandler's library. he broached the
subject. and in an earnest, respectful
manner. asked Mr.. Chambers per-
mission to win the hand of his
daughter.
Mr.. Lockwood, are you aware
that your condition in life makes il
impossible; yes, makes it presump-
ton, to ask the hand of my daugh-
ter? The position Eugenia holds in
society must not lie lowered by an
improper marriage"
Il am aware of the humble posi-.
ton / hold, but | am young. and
there is as fair a chance for me to
gain eminence as others"
"Very possible, Mr.. Lockwood
but success is very precarious at the
best, and l could not for a moment
think of risking my daughters hap
piness. By the way, what right
have you to assume that she recip-
rocates your affection ?"
by the invisible magnetism OF
love. which | believe to be sdeep-
rooted in her heart"
Invisible fiddlesticks. Rid your
self as soon as possible of this alb
surd notion. | will make a wager
my daughter never once entertained
thought of the kind. l will dis
miss the subject now," and with
out another word, turned to his
desk
Mr.. Lockwood saw that further
argument would be useless, and
with bitter feelings of disappoint-
ment and wounded pride he left
the room. Only few hours elaps-
ed before Mr.. Orthingten's card was
laid before the lawyer, asking pri-
vate interview.
"Mr. Chandler, my business here
is to ask for the hand of your
daughter. / command wealth and
position which / think will meet
your requirements"
very true, Mr.. Orthington, and
l am happy to say you already
have my consent, and ! hope you
will fnd a no less hearty response
, from my daughter"
At the table Mr.. Chandler,
glancing at his daughter, remark
ed:
" Eugenia, this day has been the
most eyentful OF your life"
How SO, papa?"
"Two offers for your hand one
rejected, the other accepted"
Who were they?' asked Eu-
genia, the crimson mantling her
cheeks.
BE patient and l will tell you
This morning our corresponding
clerk, Mr.. Lockwood, laboring under
the delusion of a reciprocal affection
sought your hand, but / think ]
have effectually relieved him of the
absurd notion. Again, this after.
noon, Mr.. Orthington called on the
eome husiness and of course I was