E-text prepared by the Library Electronic Text Resource Service of Indiana University (http://www.letrs.indiana.edu/) and by the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/) Note: Images of the original pages are available through the Library Electronic Text Resource Service of Indiana University See http://www.letrs.indiana.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=wright2;idno=Wright2-0028 EVELINE MANDEVILLE. Or, The Horse Thief Rival by ALVIN ADDISON Author of "The Rival Hunters." Cincinnati: Published by U. P. James, 167 Walnut Street. 1837 CHAPTER I. "Why do you persist in refusing to receive the addresses of Willard Duffel, when you know my preference for him?" "Because I do not like him." "'Do not like him,' forsooth! And pray, are you going to reject the best offer in the county because of a simple whim? the mere fancy of a vain-headed, foolish and inexperienced girl? I did not before suppose that a daughter of mine would manifest such a want of common sense." "Whether my opinions of men are made up of that rare article so inappropriately called 'common sense' or not, is a question I shall not attempt to decide; it is sufficient for me to know that I have my 'likes and my dislikes,' as well as other folks, and that it is my _right_ to have them." "Oh, yes! _you_ have rights, but a _parent_ has not, I suppose!" "You know very well, father, that I do not deserve an insinuation of that kind from you: I have always regarded your wishes, when expressed, save in this one instance, and I have too much at stake, in so serious a matter, to lightly throw aside my own opinions." "Yes, yes, you have been the most obliging of daughters, to hear your own story; but no sooner does a point of any moment come up, upon which we happen to disagree, than my wishes are as nothing--a mere school-girl whim is set up in opposition to them, and that, too, without even a shadow of reason! A _very_ dutiful child, truly." "Father, how _can_ you talk so? You surely are but trying me; for you _know_ I do not merit the rebuke conveyed by your words and manner." "Why not?" "Why do I?" "Because you are willfully disobedient." "No, not _willfully_ but _sorrowfully_ disobedient to your wishes. Glad, indeed, would I be if I could comply with them, but I cannot. Nor should you expect me to, until you show some good grounds why you entertain them." "Have I not already done so repeatedly? Have I not told you that Duffel's prospects are fairer than those of any other young man of your acquaintance? Is he not wealthy? Has he not one of the best farms in the country? What more do you want?" "A man of principle, not of property." "And is not Duffel a man of principle? Is he not strictly honorable in all his dealings?" "He may or may not be honest in his dealings; I do not allude to business, but _moral_ principle, and in this I think he is decidedly wanting." "Why do you think so?"