The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-07-08

cies consider as silly, and much .iore silly 10
suffer himself to be blinded by them"
But when it respects nearer connection
with the object of esteem and love IN the rock
or barlcquin's Jacket ~ asked Sternho:, some
what satrically; how then, most gentle
Countess"
3Do YOU believe that would hesitate openly
TO acknowledge such a one, Count Sternhoi
Most certainly not Besides, | would ieel
myself raised above the absurd derlslon OF
ary blockhead in order to offer an open ac-
knowIedpment of the truth. No; value hb-
ertv too highly to be bound down by such a
one and care too little for worldly prattle not
with pleasure to give him credit for what is
solid"
And II said Balcr, believe it due to my
self and nv standing in society, not to place
myself ON the same level, in the same category
with him. though an honorable heart pulsate
in his breast. What shall we come to, If, ac-
cording to your view, we suffer all barriers to
be laid waste, and tread under foot the laws OF
society?'
"We should then come to value true merit,
and allow very low place to the insignificant
man clothed with the prerogatiycs of high
birth"
The conversation now became more ANNA
ted. Hyppolith took side with Erika, Seraphine
with Baler while Count Eisheim walked with
Edmund to and fro in the adjoining room, in
earnest conversation about the arrangement OF
some paintings in Eschen--till the Duke, be-
coming impatient, led to the Lhombre-party,
and Globen amused himself at the harpsichord,
making sort of musical noise. Erika thanked
this confused waltz composition as an ingenious
diversion of mind and while she was taken up
with the painters album, he took his place
next to Seraphine, and a conversation took
place between them in suppressed tone, about
fiocks and flowers, rays and colorS-an indie
scribable medley of bashfulness and acquies-
cence.
Seraphine was transported enchanted, and
in Edmund's soul bloomed brightest hopes.
Erka seemed not to partake with them; yet
the sweet tones rang in her ears, and tear,
unobserved trembled on her eyelashes. 1t was
the first time in her life that she wished to
share happiness, and that the wealth of 9TH
ers made her sad.
In this manner passed the evening, in scanty
poverty, which she hoped would be so interest
ing to her.
"Thou art apparently quite unlike thyself,
SternhofD said Globen, coming up to the for
mer. "Why hast thou undergone so frightful
change. such waste of hair, and sacrificed
thy fair locks to the hair-dresser's shears
| There must be special reason for this"
Hast thou always special reason for hav-
ing thy hair CUT" asked Baler.
"And yet believe can guess the motive
of thy mecontent trimming" replied Globen
"a certain resemblance has vexed thee"
Both gentlemen had now gone to hand the
ladies into the carriage.
1T pains me that thou hast had so little en-
tertainment my child" said Count Esheim tc
his daughter, when he found her alone, "anc
that thy expectations failed"
"And am glad, my father, that yours were
fulfilled. What thinks the young painter O
your plan! Is the design proper, according to
the rules of art !"
Erika's lively interest in the arrangements al
Eschen did not surprise the Count and he
made it in some measure duty to give her q
full narrative of the consultation with the
painter, which he spun out longer than she an
ticipated But she concealed her thoughts anC
state of mind from her father The remem
brance of the past evening lay like lead upor
her heart.
Had but the stream the trees, the birds
and flowers" thought she, then would no
feel so shockingly lonely among these people
and yet would not wish to enjoy the delight
of nature in common with them"