Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1884-07-03
Elevated to the Peerage.

| ella Rldman, Salu MI. Andrews, anu
after being fully assured that my love
was returned, l approached old man
Ridman, who had ever been friend
of our family, and asked his consent to
our union"
Certainly, Caleb said he. Ger
tainly, for to tell you the truth I have
had my eye on you for some time, be-
cause l know that you will make good
husband Besides this, it is well that
our families should be united
"When can the marriage take place?
I asked.
ooh, anytime, or rather as soon as
arrangements can be made
II was delighted with the old mans
frankness. His face seemed model of
noble expression. My father agreed
with me concerning the old man Rid
man, but my mother, woman like, would
not agree that he deserved any credit,
and dropped a mild hint that the Rid
man family was not any better than
hers, that her mother was old Major
Harvey's daughter, and that none of
the Harvey stock need feel elated even
if the governor of the state should
grant the hand Of his daughter. This
was all very we'll, and quite natural
my mother necessarily being a woman,
but with me, it robbed old man Ridman
of none of the nobility with which |
had surrounded him. Extensive prep
arations for the wedding were made,
and | doubt that there was ever a hap
pier clodhopper than |. The marriage
was to take place at noon Thursday
War had been declared between the
states, and, after a little ceremony, /.
as captain Of a company, was to march
away, regretful at such an early sepa-
ration from my young wife, but happy
in the thought that | would be envied
by all the young men in the neighbor-
lood. 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
that he must be i'll. ~
"'Mr. Andrews, said he, let me see
You moment y
There was a chillinHss in his voice
and an expression in his eye which !
could not quite understand"
"He led the way down to the pen
where the hogs We're eating. Placing
his right arm over the fence, he turned
to me with an air Of importance ard
said :"
al believe there has been some little
talk in regard to a marriage between
you and my daughterF "
Il looked at him in establishment,
and replied aAirmatively.'
"'Such a union is now impossible. -"
"Why2'' l gasped.
"Whyl he exclaimed. why, IN
deed. You certainly cannot have
heard of the governors action concern
ing me- He has appointed me justice
Of the peace A Judge, sir, under the
confederate government. This war,
Young man, is intended to define social
lines. 1t is to confirm an aristocracy
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 con
sent to your union with my daughter,
but now, sir, in duty bound to myself
and family, I am forced to rescind my
former action. y
"My blood rose. Sir, I exclaimed,
you forgot that I am captain In the
Confederate army
Il seek not to rob you of any laurels
that you have won. A captain can
make his position honorable, but he is
by no means a squire, If you attain
the rank of general, then | shall be
pleased to reconsider this decision, and
until then or some similar elevation, |
must discoantenance your association
with my daughter "
"Does your daughter share your opln
ion ?"
"My daughter my not share, but
she accepts my opinion. She could not
do otherwise
Il went home. 'The old fool, said
my father, when | had told him. iii
90 over and whale him till he cant
stand up and it was as much as could
do to dEsuade him from his violent
purpose"
II went into the war without seeing
the girl again. Just before Lees sur
render, was promoted to the. rank of
brigadier-general After peace was de
clarcd returned home Miss Ridman