Maria Grafton,
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ab Asl& NHaJ OR Fil fiH.a


LET EVERY GIRL CHOOSE HER OWN HUs-


q BAND.


Seated in pleasant chamber was a
young lady, the daughter of one Of the
most aristocratic merchants in New Eng
land. He had risen from abscurity and
by course, though not strictly honest,
yet in accordance with the practice Of some
of the wealthiest merchants in the country
had amassed large amount Of property. -
With him wealth was every thing, he knew
nothing OF happiness, save when It was con-
sidered in the scale Of dollars and cents /;
and it only needed that man wealthy, no
matter by what means he become so, to en-
sure his respect. ".


His residence was but few miles from
the city Of Boston, and il was one Of the
most beautiful in that city. No pains had
been spared to make it worthy Of notice,
for Mr.. Grafton was man fond of praise
His youngest daughter, Maria, was now
the only child remaining at home. Two
sons on whom he had placed his hopes for
the perpetuatioe Of his family name and on
whom he had designed to bestow greater
portion OF his wealth, died ere they attain
ed to manhood OF three daughters two
were married, leaving Maria with her fa-
ther, who loved her next perhaps to his
money.


Sad were the thought Of the fair girl, as
she sat alone in her chamber, but they
were soon interrupted. The voice Of her
father summoned her to the parlor. When
she descended, she found he was accompa-
MED by man named Stephens, who had
some previous offered his hand to Malta,
but not contented with her refusal, and
knowing the attachment Of her father to
wealth, had called him to his aid. Maria
raised her eyes as she entered the room, but
as she saw Stevens, turned her head and
seated herself by the window. Her father
addressed her, presented Stevens, and in
formed her that il was his wish that she
should accept Of him as her future hns-
band.


Maria informed her father that she had re-
jected Mr.. Stephens once, and that even did
she love him, which was very certain shs
did not, her own judgment taught her bet
ter than to risk her happiness in his hands


s What do you know Of love?" said Mr..
Grafton, g and why are you unwilling to
risk your happiness with him' His wealth
JIG sufficient to procure you every comfort,
and his character Isl


"lnfamous!p interrupted Maria, looking
him fully in the face.


Stephens turned pale, and his lips quiv-
cred with rage. and the anGer nf ht- Is, rr.i I
scarcely knew bounds. For moment ne
did not ar, n,wer her At length pointing
his finger at Stephens, he inquired.


90 And what know you of his charac.
terf'' 8,t@


"Enough to convince me that my words
were true,'' answered Maria.


I" My daughter said Mr.. Grafton, assu-
ming milder tone, ssthough you may have
heard reports unfavorable to Mr.. Stephens,
believe me, they are without foundation
He is one Of the wealthiest men in the ci-
|ty."


He may be all think he ISL said Ma
ria, !" but cannot marry him."
You may go in your chamber" said
her father, 81 am determined Henry Ste
phens shall be my son-in-law, and you
must marry him or quit my house. will
neither own or support an ungratelul daugh.
ter. To morrow shall expect your ans
wer.


Maria knew too well the character Of
her father to make any reply. A crises had
arrived which she had for some days fear.
ed. She knew that her refusal Of Stephens
would bring down the wrath Of her father
on her head, and had written TO both sisters
stating the circumstance and requesting il
case her father should drive her from the
house, the privilege Of remaining fol short
time with them. CONTRARY to her expec-
tation they refused her Thei rhusbands
had married them more on account Of the
| wealth Of her father than any Affection
they had felt for them, and they feared i
they gave Maria home, their father woult
dsnherit them. Such is the effect wealth
hae on the affections.


Maria relreated to her chamber and aftel
giving vent to food Of tears, deliberatec
on " hat course to pursue. One thing was
certain, she determined not to marry Ste
phens The next thing was, how should
she obtain living! After thinking Of the
matter some time she said to herself
sWell, have good constitution, and car
labor; but how would it appear for the
daughter Of the rich Mr.. Grafton to GO
about the city soliciting employment. A,
| this moment she recollected having heare
once Of the house maids speak Of being EN-
ployed in a factory, and she descended te
the kitchen.


"Hannah," said she, addressing the girl
81 heard you, few days since speak Of wor
king in factory, how did you like j
| there3D