The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-12-12


The next day we received visit from Bishop
l.. under whose care Regina had travelled
North lie coudoled with us upon our misfor-
tune when he came, but congratulated us upon
our firmness and gayety when he went away.
promised to return his call and accordingly
upon the second day did so, and took that OPP
portunty of informing him Of my sisters contenl-
plated marriage with Wolfgang Wsllrsven, aud
of unfolding TO him my desire to enter course Of
theological reading for the purpose Of taxing
holy orders | told him how long this had been
on my mind, how long, even before | dreamed of
possible loss of fortune.
He highly approved my design, and placed his
library at my service, inviting me at the same
time to return with him TO the South, aud take
up my abode for the present at his house
There were many reasons why should feel no
scruple in accepting the assistance OF the venera-
bic old man. lie had in his youth been indebted
to my grandfather for his own education, and
subsequent establishment in the church in which
he had risen TO such high honor. Now, in his
age he had wealth, a large house, an extensive
library, and but a small family, consisting of his
wife, one son, and daughter He seemed very
anxious to assist me, and soon overruled my faint
obJections.
| told him, however, that il would be impossi-
BILE for me to return with him, or 20 South at al
until after my sisters marriage, when promised
to do so.
When returned found that Wallraven and
Regina had walked out together. They did not
return until the dinner hour.
pass over two weeks, the mornings of which
were spent in walking, or riding out, or reading,
music or conversation at home and the evenings,
in attending lectures, concerts &c, abroad, or in
some social pastime in our own psror
H. hoa Gall,
Wallraven exhibited naughty and happy
self-conscousness, that became him greatly. Ev-
cry day his step was more stately and elastic, his
eye more steady and commanding. The regnant
spirit was assareSsfy triumphant now
At the end of two weeks early one morning.
he entered my chamber with a naughty step, and
laid before me two papers, indicating the one that
Fi suJnld -reao hrso. 80 - a.
That was letter from his father, Mr. Wall
raven, giving consent to his marriage, and filled
with affectionate expressions of regard for his
bride, and earnest prayers for the happiness of
both, regretting that his inirmities must prevent
his travelling North to be present at their mar
risge, and pressing Wolfgang to bring bis wife to
Hickory Hall Immediately after the ceremony,
His letter ended with message of affection and
esteem for myself fervent tender of service, and
an invitation to accompany my sister and her
husband to Virginia The letter vas like the
old gentleman himself full of delicate benefcence,
exalted love and magnanimity yet through all
betraying an undertone Of sadness sblemuity, al
most gloom. ] was deeply affected on reading it.
Wolfgang slipped it from my hand, and with
an air of princely hauteur, approaching thought
even to arrogance, placed the other paper before
me.
This was the attested copy of deed settling
one hundred thousand dollars on Regina Fair
field read this twice, or thrice, before looked
up to sec Wallraven leaning over my chair with
his look of offensive assumption now fled, and in
its place an expression Of generous satisfaction.
"Why, what is the meaning of this, Wallra-
ven ~ inquired |, with the feeling and the tone
Of embarrassment
" Ii means to express my own AMI my fathers
deep sense of the high honor Miss Fairfield con-
fers upon us in bestowing her hand on me he
replied, in sad, earnest and somewhat bitter
tone.
e But this is wrong, utterly wrong, Walraven
Regina's whole fortune now does not amount to
more than three thousand dollars sum scarce
ly sufficient to provide the trouseau Of a Wall
raven bride If you nil have her, in the mann
| of Heaven take her but do not think Of giyin
80 much where nothing Is given N re.~."r
"She gives me her priceless self" he answered
almost mournfuly then, after a short pause
added" am glad that It'll $780, | am glad that sh
is dowcrcss. | would confer everything upo
my bride receive nothing from her but her love
and sill be her debtor, and still tremble for
oh, God what am | sayingp he CALCULATED, alb
ruptly pausing.
Regina herself for the reason that she bring
you no property, will object to receiving thi
munifcent settlement"
"She must not 1t is the time-honored custom
of our family. 1t has always been the rule of tn
Wallravens to settle that dover upon the lad.
whom their heir should select as bride, and VIII
should respond to his love Her fastidiousnes
must make her no exception to this rule. Indeed
her refined delicacy and pure, high pride will pre-
vent her seeing the matter as you do She viii
not for moment degrade her sentiments by mix
ing them up with these subjects"
| TO BE CONTINUED