St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1885-01-31
OIL AND SOAP.
The Romance of a Poor Young Woman
and a Rich Young Man.


Frederick Page Gotham, young
EngIishman, came to this country with
in the past decade almost penniless, but
determined to gain a fortune in the oil
fields. 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 geo
metrical ratio. Meantime Frederick
Page Gotham grew lonely. He longed
for companionship and, being of as-
thetic tastes, he yearned for beauty as
we'll. 1t was while in this mood that he
heard that Philadelphia was city far
famed for the fascinating grace, the per.
feet features, and the golden hesrts of
its young women. He resolved to
come, to see, and, if possible, to con-
quer.
In the morning he secured a colored
valet, arrayed himself in purple and fine
linen, and sailed forth in his career of
conquest Near Broad and Chestnut
streets he was attracted by the throng
of ladies passing in and out of a large
and well-known dry goods store. He
entered, but the shoppers, lovely as
they seemed, were soon eclipsed in his
romantic eyes by the saleswomen. He
gazed, but was in perplexity as to what
could be done, when he suddenly met
an old friend whom he had known ever
since his arrival in America The
friend held responsible position 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 one?' asked the friend.
II don't care replied the old mill
Gonaire "They are all more beautiful
than any girl I ever saw. l only ask
that you introduce me to one who is
sensible and honest.
The friend, knowing Gotham to be
both rich and honorable, readily COM
piled. He selected Miss Lille Florence
Pauline, who was at that moment dis
engaged. Miss Pauline is a brunette,
with eyes at once sparkling and liquid,
mass of wavy dark hair, a complexion
of roses and lilies, and an ingenious,
engaging manner. Young Gotham was
at once enthralled by her grace and
modest reserve. He bought the most
expensive box of soap on the counter.
VIII you accept this from me?" he
asked.
Miss Pauline demurred. 'sWe do not
know each other" she slyly suggested.
swell, Tn not from the city, and my
ways may be little too hasty," apollo
gized Gotham, ''but wish you would
let me give you this.
She took the soap and Gotham went
back to the hotel walking on air. The
next day he was at the store early in
the forenoon. Miss Pauline received
him with an enchanting blush. He
made various purchases, which he gave
to his valet, and then asked his mann
orata:
MAY have the pleasure of calling
on your
''Oh, you quite brighten me- she
answered. s'Still your friend here
speaks so highly of you-well, | shall
be glad to see you tomorrow evening.
With this step gained, Gotham felt
that he would soon win the battle. he
was cordially received at the home OF
the girls father (who is a butcher),
Thomas B. Pauline, living at 124 North
Tenth street. One call followed an
other and presents followed presents
He could not buy too much at the store
where he first had met Miss Pauline,
and every dav he sent his valet back to
the hotel from these shopping expedi-
tions fairly loaded. In less than q
week he had carried Miss Pauline's
heart by storm, and they were engaged
to be married.
Her parents were poor, and they
could not afford to buy suitable trous-
seau. This, however, Mr.. Gotham de-
clared could easily be remedied. She
should have all the silks and satins, all
the gold and silver ornaments, all the
little but costly refnements of the toilet
she wanted AS for the bills, he would
settle them all himself Three weeks
few by: the brides outfit was complete,
and on Thanksgiving Day they were
married quietly at the brides home.
Meantime Mr. Gotham had bought a
seat in the Petroleum and Mining Ex-
change, and had gone into business, in
tending to make his permanent resi-
dence in Philadelphia. They went up
on brief but happy wedding trip, and
soon after their return moved from the
Lafayette to cosy, quiet house on Fiji
teenth street, above Arch. Their honey
moon is still unclouded. Philadelphia
Press.
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