The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-08-22
THE CRUEL MARRIAGE.

ing NJ the HCau Oh the new 1Ork par,
with an already princcly fortune
accumulated, he not only held an en-.
viable position in society, but exercised
powerful influence In the business
world. In consequence Of his close ut.
tcntion 10 business he had contracted
the false habit OF measuring men by
dollars. Mrs. Chandeliers proud nature
conformed 10 the same principle in her
choice OF society. They had but one
child, upon whom they lavished all the
affection that could exist in their cold
natures.
Eugcnia Chandler, the beautiful, af-
fectionate and warm-hearted girl OF
eighteen summers, would have never
been taken for the child of Orthell
Chandler, and, Notwithstanding the
teaching and influences around her. she
retained noble spirit OF concession,
being modest and retired.
Wilbur Lockwood, the correspond
ing clerk OF the firm Of Chandler Il
Corning. was n young man of pre-
possessing appearance and high
moral standing. The possession of a
fine business talent had won the conf
dcnce and esteem Of the firm.
His position necessarily brought him
frequently TO Mr.. Chambers house,
where he became acquainted with
Eugcnia. Although these meetings
were short, and ut long intervals, yet
the kindred natures Of the two had
kindicd the spark of love deep in their
souls. Wilbur Lockwood was aware Of
the gulf that lay between them in social
standing. and his sense Of honor would
not allow him TO take the advantage
that his position gave him. Accord
inglv. 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 aspircd 10 the hand Of the
hciress.
Orrhngton. the wealthy old bachelor.
had found his withcred heart warmed
by the quiet sparkle OF Eugenia' 5 eye,
and Mr.. and Mrs. Chandler saw the
preference shown their child and were
nourishing bright hopes for her future.
"What grand match that will
make" said Mrs. Chandler TO her hus-
band.
"Thcn TO think that Mr.. Burlington
has really taken liking to our child"
Cant | sec?" replied Mrs. Chan
dlcr while smile of triumph fitted
across her cold, marble features.
'.Have you spoken TO Eugenia upon
the subject"
.'Oh, no; she will of course see the
advantage of the offer and overlook
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 op-
portunity that presented itself of COM
municating his views TO his employer.
After the business of the day had been
settled that had called him TO Mr..
Chandler's library, he preached the
subject, and in an earnest, respectful
manner asked Mr.. Chandeliers per-
mission TO win the hand of his daugh-
ter.
''Mr. Lockwood, are you not aware
that your condition in life makes 1t i'm
possible, yes. makes 1t presumption, to
ask for the hand of my daughterp The
position that Eugenia holds in society
must not be lowered by an improper
marriage"
al am aware of the humble position
hold, but ] am young, and there is a
fair chance for me to gain eminence as
others have done before me-"
Every possible, Mr.. Lockwood, but
success is very precarious at the best.
and | could not for a moment think of
risking my daughters happiness. BY
the way, what right have you to as
sumo that she reciprocates your af-
fectionsP"
"By the invisible magnetism of love,
which believe to be deep-rooted in her
heart"
Invisible fiddlesticks! Rid yourself
rs soon as possible of this absurd
notion. / will make a wager my
daughter never once entertained
thought OF the kind. ! will dismiss the
subject now" and without another
word he turned TO his desk.
Mr.. Lockwood saw that future argu-
ment would be useless, and with bitter
feelings OF disappointment and wound
ed pride, he left the room. Only few
hours elapsed before Mr.. Orthington's
card was laid before the lawyer. ask
ing private interview.
'Mr. Chandler, my business here il
to ask for the hand of your daughter.
/ command wealth and position
which think will meet your require
ments."
VERY true, Mr.. Orthington, and
am happy to say you already have my
consent, and hope you will find no
.ess hearty response from my daugh-
ter"
At the table Mr.. Chandler, glancing
at his daughter, remarked:
'Eugenia, this day has been the
most eventful Of your life"
"How so. papaP"
Two offers for your hand-one re-
iected,. the other accepted"
"Who were theyP" asked Eugenia,
the crimson mantling her cheek.
"Be patient and l will tell you. This
morning our corresponding clerk, Mr..
Lockwood, laboring under the delusion
of reciprocal affection. sought your
hand. but think have effectually re-
lieyed him Of the absurd notion.
Again, this afternoon, Mr.. Burlington
called upon the same business, and Of
course / was pleased TO give my APP
proval, and ] trust the day Is not far
distant when / shall see my daughter
wear the title of Lady Orthington."
"Oh, papa, you could not do such a
thing! / would never marry Mr..
Orthington. No, never! You surely
cannot nave the heart to attempt to
barter away your child's happiness for
gold. Father, why did you encourage
himP"
my daughter, said Mr.. Chandler,
81 would never have believed you to be
such an ungrateful child. Have you
no confidence In your fathers judg-
mentp"
81 love papa too dearly to distrust
his motives; but how can he know who
may love, and he does not for this
very act proves it. !"
Then" said Mr.. Chandler, sharp
ly, "are you wasting your affections
upon that penniless clerkp"
Father, do not speak so OF Mr..
Lockwood; he Is a man of more than
ordinary intelligence, and because, as
you have been pleased to remark. penni-
less. he is none the less a gentleman.
lis it possible, Eugenia. that You
could be induced to marry himp"
.'Since he has made an acknowl-
edgment TO you, will say In all earn
estness that love him, and shall con-
sent to marry none other, and, dear
father, II yon wish your son-in-law to
hold high position in life, exert your