The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1885-08-19
"A White Houae Romance.

nearu tnlS romance to-day IN con-
ncction with young lady who was an
occupant of the White House during
Jackson's time, and who was married
in the great East Room: Mary Easton
was the daughter of n sister of General
Jackson's wife. She went to live with
her aunt for time in the Executive
Mansion. At her homo in Tennessee
she had played when child with a
boy companion named Pope. Tho two
became warmly attached to each
other, and as they grew the attach
ment became strong affection. Whilo
1t was apparent to both that thoy loved
each other. young Popc did not ask his
companion to become his wife.
Miss Easton camo to Washington.
Her position and her intelligence and
accomplishments made her doubly at
tractivo in society. Young officers in
the army and in the navy were beside
her at every opportunity. Captain
Finch took the lead. He pressed his
suit, proposed and was accepted. Hc
was possessed of considerable means
and gave her handsome presents. The
wedding day approached. Invitations
were sent to the friends of tho young
people, asking them to como to tho
White House to witness the ceremony.
The prospective bridegroom went to
New York to get his prospective brido
her wedding present.
OF the invitations sent to Tennessee
one fell into the hands of young Popc.
1t famed tho smothcring love within
his bosom into flame. He wrote to
Miss Easton, told her of his love since
childhood for her. He said that
timo and again he had boon at tho
point of asking her to be his wife, but
on each occasion his modesty had pre-
vented him. Now he repeated his
love, and begged his to become his
bride.
Miss Easton read the letter and i'm
mediatcly replied, accepting his offer.
Captain Finch returned from New
York, bringing with him costly dia-
mond ornament. He called at tho
White House to see tho young lady oc-
cupant. She was in her room with a
companion who was to be her brides
maid when his card reached her.
"Tcll him | can not sec him." she
said to her companion.
Tho latter went to the private parlor
where Captain Finch was seated and,
after some heItancy, said that Miss
Easton was indisposed. Tho Captain
was alarmed, begged for moro informa-
IioH oi INC lnulSpOSltlOn, ana asked that
the present he had brought be taken to
the invalid. The young lady carried
the diamond ornament to her compan-
ion. When Miss Easton received it
she turned TO her companion and said:
"Go take it back to him, and tell him
all. Tell him | am engaged to an
other"
The young lady did as requested.
Whom she had finished her errand,
Captain Finch arose, and, without ut
tering word, left the parlor.
General jackson was angry when ho
heard Of his wifc's relatives action to-
ward his friend Finch. He had favored
the match. In speaking to Miss Eas-
ton he said: "This action of yours
Mary, has caused me to lose faith in
woman" Ho insisted that Captain
Finch should be invited to her mar
riage with Pope.
The wedding came of. The rejected
lover was present. He stood directly
in front of tho bride during the corc-
mony, and never took his eyes of her
until with her husband sho left tho
room. Shortly aftcrward he went to
Europe. When no returned he boro
the Of IN uncle-a wealthy En-
gil Mrs. Pope moved to Ten
ne is said to be living thore
now with her children. Wash
tngiC. ttr.