The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1911-08-22
SHALL SHE
MARRY HIM2

Polly writes a pathetic letter as fol-
lows:
81 am deeply in love with a young
man who has been very devoted to me
for three years. He wants to marry
me, but year and a half ago my
father discovered certain things which
made him forbid my marriage. Since
then my lover has reformed, but my
family are still unwilling that / should
marry him. / feel that he is the only
man in the world for me; what shall
I do?''
1t is hard to advise in matters Of
this kind. yet the tragedy of unhappy
love is not to be looked upon lightly.
Indeed, when a young girl gives her
heart to a man 1t is a serious thing
to ask her to give him up. In this
case, however, the parents seem to
have had good reason for their objec-
tions, for Polly states in another para
graph, after father explained things
thoroughly was convinced it was best
to give him up for the time"
II seems that year and half has
passed since then. and that Polly now
believes that no barrier should be set
up against her marriage.
1t seems to me that II PolIy's lover
is worthy Of her great regard he
should be willing to go to her father
and have a frank and manly talk on
Tic SuOJcCJs Let niiu pTCScHl Hls CiC-
dentials as Ii were, and ask to be al
lowed to defend himself against all
charges of guilt. Surely any father
with the welfare of his daughter in
view would be willing to listen to
such plea and, II the young man were
found mot guilty" to alter his decis-
ion in the case.
1t would seem most unwise for little
Polly to marry without the consent OF
y x.0r 49, he d
knows little Of the world. Love may
blind her eyes to the real faults OF
the man for whom she cares. There
may be in him great possibilities. He
may develop along strong and force
full lines, but he, too, is young, and
he must prove his worth. 1t may sem
a little hard to say, Wait" Young
and ardent spirits are weighed down
by the prospects Of divided lives. Yet
a short separation now is better than
miserable future. Love that Is con-
slant. is the best kind of love, and the
young man who is steadfast VIII be
willing to look forward a year or two
and hope that he may claim his bride
at the end of that time.
! am sure If little Polly is patient,
that her parents may be won over, and
in the meantime her lover must prove
the depth of his manhood. His love
for her should make. him steady and
strong, just as her love for him viii
make her womanly and helpful Let
them say to each other: I'm two years
we VIII be married" They need not
look forward to tragedy or separation.
It is much better to hope for fulfill
ment, to believe that they can make
themselves f1t for their high estate.
They are going to be husband and
wife. and they need, therefore. to put
aside all little, petty things and be-
come man and woman, not boy and
girl
Polly must impress this thought
firmly on her lover. She must not say
to herself or to him: my father ana
mother are cruel-well defy them and
do as we please" She should say:
MY father and mother love me- they
want to do their best for me. Let
US make ourselves worthy OF their re-
gard, then we can claim our right to
marry"
She need not look forward two years
and say, IF they do not consent. we
will do as we please" for am sure
that they will consent when they know
that two steadfast young people desire
to be united, and have made them
selves worthy OF such union.