Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1886-09-03
MARRYING A LORD.
An Ambitious American Girl
Blights Two Promising Lives.
(Original.)

Lillian Forrest was belle who had
suddenly burst on New York society
with splendor which quite eclipscd any
former debutante. She had all heart
could wish. Her fathers wealth was
unbounded; her own natural charms, to
which was added every accomplishment
home and foreign schools could afford,
were of the highest type of beauty.
Miss Lillian was sensible girl, but
governed by an ovcr-ruling ambition.
Ambition, like temptation, leads one
from one degree to another, until such
heights or depths have been attained as
the individual never dreamed of at the
outset. Alexander had no idea of con-
quering all the known world when he
assaulted Tyre. Napoleon original de-
sign was not such gigantic conquests as
he attained, and Miss Forrest, when she
made her debut in society, would have
been content with an humble place in
the sphere for which she was intended.
Her little head was doubtless turned at
first by so many gay ladies and gentle
men. She was accustomed to silks and
satins, tlounces, furbelows and laces,
diamonds, rubies, sapphires and pearls,
but genteel flattery and sparkling wit,
which outshone the most brilliant gems,
was something new to her. Her mother
had for long time held position in
society which her husbands wealth en-
abled her 10 do, and she was anxious to
have her daughter enter it as soon
rs possible. She wanted Lillian to
make her debut at fifteen, but her
father, who was more practical and
level headed than the fashionable
mother, insisted on Lillian having n
years training in the best schools
OF fashion in Europe, with the best
dancing masters and musicians the old
world could afford. Mrs. Forrest was
made to see the advantages such culture
would be to her daughter and consented.
Consequently the family made arrange
mcnts to spend year in Europe.
Although Lillian was designed for
society lady, she had not become one
yet, nor was her heart yet cold and sell
fish. She had n little circle of child
hood friends and school-mates, from
whom she had not severed ties of early
acquaintance. Prominent among them
was Albert Brantner, the son of ship
ping merchant, friend of the proud
family, who naturally grew to love Miss
Lillian. No VOWS had ever passed be-
tween the young people, but Albert, who
had frequently been in the young Miss
society, had looked the love with his
eyes which his lips dared not speak.
Mrs. Forrest, with the eye of discern
ing mother, saw the lads growing at
tachment for her daughter. One day
she had Lillian brought to her boudoir.
The fashionable lady reclined upon silk
and velvet cushions, toying with her
elegantly jeweled hand the uncut leaves
of society novel. With her daughter
sitting opposite her, the ambitious
mother told her of grand courts, gallant
mobiles and Lords, who sometimes con-
descend to marry American wealth and
beauty. To be the wife of Lord was
TO be Lady-a member of the ancient
iristocracy of England, and that any
young lady possessing such natural at
fractions and charms, refinement and
fabulous wealth, might become a great
Lady and be in attendance at the recep-
tions of Kings and Queens. 1t is use
less to add that poor little Lillian's head
was completely turned by her mothers
adroit flattery and graphic description
of gilded courts. Ambition for the first
time crept into her young heart, and she
felt that to be a Lady-to be admired
and courted perhaps by the Princes of
earth-was henceforth her highest am
bitlon. When alone and thoughts of
Albert Brantner crowded into her mind
shade came over her fair brow, and
she felt sting of remorse at her heart;
but recollections of the gay scenes her
mother had so vividly pictured steeled
her heart against any thing so common
AS a shipping merchant.
The college term was out, and the
vacation during which the FORESTS were
to sal for Europe came. Albert Brant-
ner, on hearing of Lillian intended So
journ in Europe, hastened to the elegant
mansion on Fifth Avenue to pay visit
TO the friend of his childhood. His re-
ccption was quite cordial, but so stiff,
over-refined and cool that his heart felt
ch lied when he contrasted it with
former visits. The Brantners were
equal in wealth and social standing to
the FORESTS. Their Fifth avenue man
sion was as grand as the FORESTS, they
drove equipages equally as gay, and
stood as high in society. Not spot or
blemish had ever been Oh the name of
Brantner. Mr.. Brantner, as a business
man, was shrewd and careful, but the
soul of honor, and Mrs. BrantnCr was
respected in society for her Kindness
of heart, as well as her sterling
worth. But poor Albert was TO
bitterly realize that he was not a
Lord. He had no noble blood in his VEINS,
and even though he came to inherit
countless millions, even though he
possess one of the most brilliant minds
as a statesman or business man, he
could not shine in the courts of England
where none but the blue bloods were
permitted TO associate. He could only
bring wealth and an honorable name TO
Mss Lillian, and she wanted title. Al
bert thought he had never seen Lillian
so beautiful as she appeared in her
proud, cold manner. Her mother had
succeeded well in her training. The
daughter had the cold hauteur of one
who was to become a great Lady. The
puzzled Albert strove to find the cause
of this change, but Lillian was distant
and reserved.
They were in the parlor alone, and
as the hour OF his departure drew near
he asked her to favor him with song.
She turned to the piano and sung in
such sweetness favorte air that Al
bert was almost enraptured. The boy
lover, for he was nothing more, burst
all barriers at the conclusion of the song
and said:
"Lillian, why are you so changedp'
For moment the natural impulses
of her heart seemed to get the better ol
her, and she was confused. The blood
mounted her cheek, but forcing on that
icy rigidity once more, she asked;
pAm 1 chenDedpb