The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-12-13
AN OLEAG1NoUs ROMANCE.
An Oil Prince Marries the Daughter of a
Humble Retail Pork Dealer.

humble Retail PORK Dealer
Philadelphia Tress.
A husband and bride departed from a we'll
known hotel in this city for their own home on
Saturday, whose courtship and marriage are
filled with romance. Little more than three
weeks ago the young man came to Philadelphia
alone. The story of his arrival, of his b. et stay
and of his departure is most extraordinary one
Frederick Page Gotham. ayoung Englishman,
came to this country within the past decade
almost penniless, but determined to gain
fortune The ups and downs of life in the oil
regions fascinated his imagination, and thirher
he went. His life there was different from that
of most men who try to turn the greasy
fountains Of the earth into gold. 1t was different
because it contained no contrasts. After the
first year of toll and economy, through which he
struggled In order to accumulate moderate
stake he never met with reverse. His very
first investment brought him tenfold return
and for successive years his growing wealth
multiplied in geometrcal ratio.
Meantime Frederick Page Gotham grew
lonely The luxury with which he surrounded
himself in the wilderness could not ill the void
in a lonely heart. He longed for companionship
and, being of the aesthetic tastes, he yearned Tor
beauty as well. 1t was while in this mood that
he heard that Philadelphia was a city far famed
for Understanding grace, the perfect features and
the golden hearts of its young women. lie re
solved to come, to see and, if possible 10 con
quer and, being man with whom resolution
meant action he took early train to the city
evening. he went at once to the Lafayette and
refreshed himself with nights sound sleep. In
the morning he secured a colored valet. arrayed
himself in purple and fine linen and sailed forth
i'll his career of conquest. He did not need go
far, Near Broad and Chestnut streets he
attracted by the throng of beautiful ladies pass
ing in and out of a large and well known dry
goods store. He entered, but the shoppers,
lovely as they seemed, were eclipsed i'll his
romantic eyes by the saleswomen. He gazed
could be done, when he suddenly met an old
friend whom he had known ever since his arrival
in America The friend held responsible posi-
ton in the store
After the first greetings were over Gotham
asked his friend to present him TO some one of
bevy of shop girls clustered behind counter
which was laden with toilet soap.
(which oneF asked the accommodating
friend.
II don't care" replied the oil millionaire
They are all more beautiful than any girl l
ever saw only ask that you introduce me to
one who is sensible and honest
The friend. knowing Gotham to be both rich
and honorable, readily complied He selected
Miss Lille Florence Pauline, who was at that
moment disengaged Miss Pauline is brunette,
with eyes at once sparkling and liquid, mass Of
wavy, dark hair, a complexion of roses and lilies.
and an INGENIOUS enga ging manner. Young Cob
ham at once enthralled by her grace and her
modest reserve He bought the most expensive
box of soap on the counter "Win you accept
this from mel" he asked.
Miss Pauline demurred. eve do not know
each other" she shyly suggested.
well I'm not from the city. and my ways
may be a little too hasty," apolf gized Gotham,
but really wish you would let me give you
this
She took the soap and Gotham went back to
the hotel walking air. The next day he was
on hand at the store early in the forenoon
Miss Pauline received him with enchanting
blush He made various purchases, which he
gave to his valet, and then asked his inamorata:
May l have the pleasure of calling upon
your
''Oh, you quite friehten me-" she answered
Still, your friend here speaks so highly of you
we'll shall be glad to see you tomorrow even
ing
would soon win the battle He cordially
received at the home of the girls father (who is
butcher), Thomas b. Pauline, living at No
l2l North Tenth street One call followed
another and presents followed presents He
could not buy too much at the store where he
first had met Miss Pauline, and every day he
sent his valet back to the hotel from these shop
ping expeditions fairly loaded with purchases
In less than a week he had carried Miss Pau
lines heart by storm and they were engaged to
be married
Her parents were poor and they could not af
ford to buy suitable trousseau. This, however
Mr. Gotham declared, could easily be remedied
She should have all the silks and satns, all the
sOAu anu S'iN0i imam ht9' an 'H0 li.tAS put
costly retinements of the toilet she wanted. As
for the bilis-he would settle them all himself
Three weeks few by, the brides outfit com
plete and on Thanksgiving day they were mar
ried quietly at the brides home Meantime, Mr.
Gotham had bought a seat in the Petroleum and
Mining Exchange, and had gone into business,
intending to make his permanent residence in
Philadelphia. The wedding ceremony was per
formed by Rev. H D. Northrop They went
upon brief but happy wedding trip, and soon
after their return moved from the Lafayette to
a cosy, quiet house on Fifteenth street above
Arch. Their honeymoon is still uncouded.
Saturday afternoon the bride alighted from
her coupe in front of the store, where she had
patiently striven to do humble things well. AS
she walked through the store making purchases
here and there, her fingers gemmed and her ears
glistening with diamonds, her former companions
found no room for envy. since her native sweet
ness of temperament had not been spoiled by
prosperity.