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Even while writing this chapter we learn the particulars of a most sad, yet too common occurrence, so common, in fact, that we are tempted to narrate it as typical, especially as the heroine is from one of our leading and most fashionable families. Mr. Croesus, a gentleman of high notions and exclusive tastes, has a family of lovely and beautiful daughters, who receive their gentlemen friends a la mode. One is an exquisitely moulded being, whose highly-wrought
and sensuous nature imparts a charm to her manners which has rendered her an object of great attention, and early brought around her hosts of fashionable striplings, indeed all whose social rank could procure them an entrance to the spacious drawing-rooms of old Croesus. One suitor after another was accepted by the daughter, and as promptly rejected by the father. No measures were adopted to prevent the opportunities for forming these attachments, but when formed they were rigorously, almost ferociously opposed. To be kept a prisoner in her chamber until the required pledge of renunciation had been obtained, was a thing of frequent occurrence for the poor
susceptible being, who could not learn the lesson that she might hold her fingers in the flame, but must not burn them. It was to break up one of these affairs of the heart, more serious than the rest, that a European tour was resolved upon, and for some months the family have been abroad. A European "count" found no trouble in bestowing his fondest attentions, but every obstacle to his honorable proposals; and how surprising it must have been to the gentleman to be received as an acknowledged and favored suitor, yet denied the rights which, by the usage of his country, he might justly claim. The result was altogether natural; an elopement, detectives, thirty-six hours' concealment, discovery, and a meeting of the re-
