Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1888-07-26
After Many Years.

"I know l am not rich" said a young
man in the prime Of his powers. and his
eyes blazcd Indignantly rs he made the
statement. II know am not rich but
what of that! Does wealth make a
man? Not much. A man makes
wealth, and l shall be rich.'
II know all that, Earnest and you
know I care nothing about your power
ty. l love you all the more because
you are poor and have your own way to
make III the world. But papa objects
to my marrying you on that account.
He says YOU are not in our circle you
are too young and he doesn't like you
anyway
The speaker wasa young woman just
turned 90. She was small in statue,
but as symmetrically proportioned as
the finest product of and artists chisel.
She had IL lovely face and large eyes
that were irresistible in the depth and
and sweetness of their expression. She
spoke in Il soft sweet voice and the tears
bedewed her peach blowed cheeks. as
she looked upon the handsome resolute
young man at her side, who had fallen
into Il deep study and seemed not to
hear what Celestlne Orman said. At
ter a momen, he looked toward her and
said with Il deep feeling
"What is wealth compared to the love
I bear for you, Celestine p
"Oh, l know that is nothing, but pa.
pa doesn't think so. He gauges every
man BY his bank account and his social
rank
But wealth and social rank are in
the reach Of every honest man who will
labor to obtain them. 1t is the man
II know. But papa insists that |
should marry Spencer Drake, who has
plenty Of money and social position, and
mo brains, no character !" cxclaim.
ed Ernest VaLce. IAN elegant no
body"
81 know all that"
"And would you marry such thing,
Celestine p
Not while ! am in possession of my
senses and Ernest Vance is in the land
of the living
Ernest srasped the hands of the
young girl and looked into her clear,
intellectual eyes and felt they mlrrored
all his soul crayed for. So they did.
Celestin Orman was gem of Il woman.
AS rich as cream, with masterful will
and strong intellect. which had been
been thoroughly cultivated, she was the
idol of her home and the admired and
courted of the highest social circles of
New York.
What shall do y asked Celestine.
II do not wish to offend my father. |
never will marry Spencer Drake, and |
could wait an age for you to come and
claim me. have plenty Of wealth of
my own, but father is old, and he has
set his heart upon my marrying Drake
He says q great deal depends upon it,
more tn IN | think for, and that if |
were to marry poor man ike you are
no. it would be suicidal. What shall
I do?"
Ernest Vance looked at her moment
and then turned his eyes to another
point in the richly furnished room and
relapsed into state reflection. He al
ways did this when he had knotty
problem to solve. Tie young woman
watched him-his intellect, his fearless
independence of character, his royal
self. reliance and assurance. After u
while he said :
"Celestine, l will tell you what you
shall do-you shall wait for me. |
shall go away--go west, and make name
and fortune, and them come and claim
YOU. never cared to live in New
York. There is too many lawyers here
ANYWAY. A man has to rise by
slow and painful stages. The west is il