Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1886-09-16
The Factory Girl.

In sweet, rural valley, nestls'
among the hills of old Massachusetts
stands IL pleasant village, with pic
ture.que mill.pond and factory. Thre
summers ago this hamlet was the tenn.
porary residence of two young men
who were apparently artists, as thei
chief occupation seemed to con'ist il
sketching the scenery Of the nsighbor
hood, which was celebrated for it
beauty. Their arrival had crsatet
some stir among tho villagers, for the!
had CERTAIN dignity of manner tha
made them looked up to; and many 1
pretty factory girl, I" she ttipred t
her work, cast back = look over he1
shoulder, il she met either Of the hand
some strangers.
Though the society Of the villak'
was unusually intelligent. and the fe
males were remarkable for loveliness
there Was on. famed lsyond all th'
rest, in both mind and person, sweet
Edith Ma,her. She was an orphan
without sister or brother, and lived
with an aged aunt, whom she chiefly
supported by her labor in the factory
Edith was popular with every one
She was so gentle, considerate and
kind, that even those who first envlsd
at last learned to love her.
The younger of the two artist',whon
we snail name Lowell, even became in
tercsted III this sweet creature; at least
ii looks, tones, and a constant seeking
of her presence, we're any proof, he wa
thus interested.
One day he and his friend Chamber
ed up some rocks on the steep hillside
from which the village was overlooked
and as they sat there tn" bell OF the
factory rang, and the green was imme-
diately covered with the girls employ
ell in it, vending their way thlther AT
ter dinner. Among them it was easy
to recognize the light and sracefu1
Edith.
is she not beautiiul:' Where els,
can YOU show me a form SO sylnph.like'
exclaimed Lowell, with undisguised en
, thuslasm.
His companion made no reply tor
moment. but then abruptly remarked
i think 1t is time We left this VII
laSs,'
why? asked Lowell in tone Of sur
prise.
Because. if We do not, you will hav'
that girl in love with you. Your ad
miration is evident to all her friends
and Won are too honorable to ho,d ou
hopes to her yol never intend to ful
hl.'
| Hold out hopes never intend t.
fulfil:
'Yes-for you don't think Of marry
inc that girl, do your
To be s,lre.
The ducs you do" said his compsn
ion. starting to his feet in unaffected
astonishment'
Lowell indulged in hearty laugh
and then asked:
Why not
Why not? Why, for thousan'
reasons. She's only factory girl;
lady Of neither birth nor education; I
simple lass; very good indeed in he
way, but no match for Fred Lowell
Think or presenting her to your fash
ionable friends in town! No. MOI
will never DO. Shake Of this love.ft
pack up your trunk, and let us be of
Tomorrow
Lowell shook his head.
1 am, perhaps, a more romantic
man than You are, Harry, he said
but have some common sense, an,
I think have brought it to bear upo'
this question. We have now beel
here a month, in which time hav
become pretty well acquainted witt
Elith. left town, we both left it
heartily sick of its frlyolities, and, ol
nv part, with the firm opinion that
knew 10 woman in our set there whom
| would be willing to make my wife
The city gi.ls are so frivolous, so fon'
of parties so eager for wealthy ALI
auces, and really SO ignorant Of house
hold affairs, that for IL man of taste t'