The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1885-05-27
TWO SOCIETY LEADERS.
INTERESTING STORIES OF WOMEN.
The Farmers Pretty Daughter-Tho
Belle of the seminary Dlplom-
acy, Love and Pride.
ny MRS. F. c. DE FoNTAINE.

the rustic nelghDorS sne was known as
"the farmers pretty daughter" but not
by that name does the beau monde of to-
day recognize one of its most pronounced
leaders.
Her father titled the soil about their
homely dwelling and furnished its
products to the hotels of the fashionable
seaside resort and often has his pretty
daughter with her dainty hands milkcd
the cows and picked the berries with
which he supplied his customers.
The vine-covered cottage was favorite
stopping place for ladies in driving, where
they could always be sure of finding
glass Of cool milk and dish Of fresh ber-
ries.
On one occasion the old farmer neglected
to leave a basket of Strawberries for one
of his best and most constant customers.
Remembering the oversight on his return
home he requested his daughter to take
them to the hotel for him. Our pretty
"Passion flower" consented rather re.
luctantly, however, for she had always
been screened from contact with the
world by the watchful care of both pa
rents 0he was piouu' n"uen.y s"i
with queenly air about her, well calcu.
lated 10 dispel the slightest suspicion Of
plebeianism. On the day in question,
when she carried the berries to the Ocean
House for Mrs. Van - OF New York. she
left behind her something more durable
- ,..t.,,, ,.,,i. .a,,, ~, a.,
than 'he luscio"s hui'-naIhei!' ah ini'
preston, which was destined 10 add It's
coloring to her future life. Mrs. Van =,
VINO was an elegant woman, received her
cordially, and her young son Arthur, who
was stretched full length In the hammock,
arranged his yachting Jncket, ran his
hands through MS dishevelied LOCKS ana
put on his most bewitching smile rs the
pretty berry vender made her appearance.
After this interview, whenever Mrs. Van
- stopped at the cottage for her mink or
berries, she always asked for the young
lady" who noticed that she was oftener
accompanied by her son than formerly.
One day while sitting In the little par
lor drinking her milk, Mrs. Van -, who
had become fond OF the farmers daugh-
ter, asked her II she would like to 90
abroad with her during the summer. OF
course In the ambitious girls mind there
was but one answer upperniost, and that
n most pronounced affirmative. The pa
rents consent obtained, and the Quilt
completed, which IN accordance with the
means Of the family was limited, the rus
tic belle sailed In company with Mrs Van
- and son on one OF the Cunard
steamers about the middle OF July, lSt-.
From the day OF their departure there
was but one all engrossing thought In this
young girls mind, and that was to fasci'
nate young Arthur Van
She donned her most bewitching toilet
and beguiling manner, ana sought by the
most seductive means TO weave her web
around this not unsuspecting young man.
To one who had been numbered among
the Jenttcssc dOrcc OF Gothams best
society such attention was not. object ion.
able; la fact, we may say he ioIk II
ful mamma, however. who had other
matrimonial ideas for her son and heir.
looked frowningly upon this intimacy and
discOursed most eloquently on the dangers
OF propinquity.
Zach day increased her anxiety, and
finally hurried departure for home was
decided upon, where she hoped that a
separation would break the spell. II Is
due 10 the young man 10 say that he was
not infatuated, but was merely employing
his leisure time In the most convenient
way that offered.
Shortly after their return TO New York
he was taken ILL., and the news reaching
Newport decided the young travelling
companion TO hasten 10 his side. She
called at the house, but was unable TO see
any OF the family. The next day she re.
peated the visit, and learning through his
mother that her son was paralyzed and
unconscious she besought her with tears
TO allow her TO assist IN his care. Her
plans were thoroughly laid. knowing
that nature was past refnting her nssor
ton she declared TO the agonized mother
that she wns the aiiianced wife ot her
darling boy. Believing this story. nnd
hoping. II such were the case, that the
sight OF her might restore him 10 con
sciousness, she allowed the ndroit schemer
TO enter his room. No sign OF recognition
occurred, AMI on the following uay lie
died. The fond mother, with faith lD
creased by suffering, believed this young
girls story, and folded her TO her bosom
as n daughter On the day OF the funeral
she appeared as one OF the chief
moprners, shronded ia widows weeds,
which she continued TO wear as long
as circumstances rendered IL ncces'
sary;, Not only was she received into the
family MS daughter but the portion he
longing TO the dead heir was settled upon
her, and she thus became a central l'gllrr,
not only In New lork's best society, but
succeeded In captivating foreign diplo'
matist, whose wiie she became when con
sufficiently mitignted TO lay aside her
weeds She now vibraics between The
two continents. Is received everywhere
as one ot fashions laN9rites. entertaining
regally, ana Is assured OF the Ihct ilial
dl0lOmacy Is al Art III which she rNCrlN