Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-10-02
The Factory Girl.


among the hills of old Massachu-
sets, stands pleasant village, With
a picturesque mill-pond and factory
Three summers ago this hamlet was
the temporary residence oftwo young
men, who we're apparently artists. as
their chief occupation seemed to.con-
sist in sketching the scenery Of the
neiehborhood, which was celebrated
for its beauty. Their arrival had
created some stir among the villa
gers, for they had a certain dignity
of manner that made them looked
up to, and many pretty factory girl,
as she tripped to her work, cast back
look over her shoulder, il she met
either of the handsome strangers.
Though the society o. the village
was unusually intelligent, and the fe-
males were remarkable for lovliness,
there was one famed beyond all the
rest, in both mind and person, sweet
Edith Mather. She was al orphan,
without sister or brother, and lived
with an aged aunt, whom she chief
ly supported by her labor il the fac
tory. Edith was popular with every
one. She was so gentle, considerable
and kind, that even those who first
envied at last learned to love her.
The younger of the two artists,
whom we shall name Lowell, even be-
came interested in this sweet crea
ture; at least il looks, tones, and a
constant seeking of her presence, was
any proof, he was thus interested.
One day he and his friend Chamber
ed up some rocks on the steep hill
side, from which the village was
overlooked and as they sat there
the bell of the factory rang, and the
green was Immediately covered with
the girls employed in it, vending
theif way thither after dinner.
Among them it was easy TO recognize
the light and graceful Edith.
is she not beautiful? Where else
can you show me a form so eylph-
Ike ~ exclaimed Lowell. with I'M
disguised enthusiasm
His companion made no reply for
. moment, bat chen abruptly remark
ed: 4 think it IS time we left this
viliage."
9Why?" asked Lowell in a tore of
surprise,
Because if we do not, you will have
thai gill in love with you. Your adj
miratio1 is evident TO AL her frieSds,
and You are too honorable TO hold
out hopes to her you never intend to
fulfill,
Hold out hopes never intend to
fulfill
'Yes-for you don't think of marry
ing that girl, do your
TO be sure.'
THE deuce you doP said his
companion, starting TO his feet il I'M
affected establishment.
Lowell INDUCED in hearty laugh,
and then asked
why notY
why not? Why, for a THOUSAND
reasons. She's only a factory gil ;
a lady of neither birth nor education |;
a simple lass; very good indeed in
her way, but no match for Fred Low
ell. Think Of presenting he's 70 your
fashionable friends in town. No, no
it will never do. Shake Of this
love-lit. pack up your truck, and let
us 5e of to-inotioU 7
Lowell shook his head,
Il am, perhaps, more romantic
man than you are, Harry, he SAID
'but have some common sense, and
| think | have brought it TO beatup-
on this question. We have nov
been here a month, IN which time |
have become pretty wei acquainted
with Edith. / left town, we both
left it, heartily sick of its frivoliiies
and, on my part, with the fam opin'
ion that I knew no woman in oui
set there whom / would be willing
to make my wife. The city girls are