The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-07-22
WASHINGTON, ID. &.
RANK AND NOBILITY
A sToRY-BY JEANNE MARIE.

The Minister'S lady undesignedly said what
tended to disquiet Baler; but though he ieit
tbe hitter remoof Of her words, he turned cool
W. from her and addressed himself to Globen,
who inst then entered the box
~Wby hast thou forsaken the Countess
Eisheim 2" asked the latter. Hast thou in
formed her of the party tomorrow! viii she
partake!"
Not vet answered Baler; 81 did not wish
70 leave the ladies while thou vast buzzing
about Lady ""
During the first act, Count Sternhof had
been combating with himself whether to go
over to Erika, and place himself in close prox-
imity to his mother. To avoid all appearance,
it seemed necessary to be done. The want of
good manners might cost him much. So after
the third act he made up his mind, and went.
Erika had not taken notice Of Baler's neglect,
another lady having engaged his attention.
After exchanging looks with Adrian, in which
she expressed Joy not easily to be mistaken, he
repaired to the other side of the box, and
turned his whole attention to the stage, and
between the acts to his mother. Not look
nor motion betrayed to Erika the least interest
in her presence. She seemed not to attract
his attention for moment, even when the
words of the poet declared her own thoughts
and her looks gave evidence that she accorded
with them. But she could calculate much on
this case; and so she thought for declaratOry
was the expression of Abrams features, in the
moment of intelligence, yet with equal inditter-
ence and GOODNESS did it afterwards change.
This hurts me" thought Erika; there is
contempt in this behaviour. How have merit
ed it! Besides he is the only one for whose
notice would strive, the only one perhaps
who might be capable of answering the great
question of my life. This rigid reserve this
negligent smile, cannot be nature"
Erika had seen Adrian twice he was there
fore less "A stranger to her than the rest of the
gentlemen of the company. She knew his
character, from the communications of the
Duke-his heart, from the glowing descrip-
tons of Hyppolth. She had moreover read
letter of his, in which he clearly explained his
religious views, in answer to the Dukes invita-
ton to Rechsteld as parish preacher Every
word of this letter evinced reflection and ma
turity of understanding. She was charmed
with him. and much desired his acquaintance
Then she heard him in the cathedral, when
his discourse corresponded with her expecta-
ton, and her opinion was more confirmed She
saw him at the artists exhibition; and her
conversation with him there affected her soul,
increasingly occupied her thoughts, and gave
her hopes of bright hours in his company But
these bright hours had not come; and though
slight doubt arose in her mind when at the
Dukes, yet she hoped for certainty here. But
what could prejudice Adrian against her how
mad she given occasion for his strict and forced
reserve
Absorbed in deep meditation. she neither
heard the conversation of the gentlemen in the
box nor their going out; and when Baler
bowed and wished her a good evening, she was
aroused in fright. His vanity misintcrpreted
her emotion; and with soft, tremulous tone,
he addressed her
Why so thoughtful ~
why so affected ?" answered Erika. giving
hun searching look. " Has the piece so laid
hold of you ~
Baler blushedl Every word could be heard
IN his mothers box He did not look into it.
but continued IN light conversation with Erika
Mrs Muller trembled with emotion. Adrian
lost nothing Edmund in the back -ground
squeezed himself IN a corner of the box, and
was quite negligent of the presence of Sierra
phne, though sight of her gave him pain.
HIS dialogue with his brother in the afternoon
still sounded in his ear, and the words "Thou
wilt disgrace thyselfD INCREASINGLY reproached
him. delicate sensitiveness kept him from,
entering Globcn's box, where the voices of
coxcOmbs around Seraphine were soon heard
in the soft tones of politeness. Swarms of but
terhies in uniforms and black frocks battered
and flirted about her az the graceful fairy. No
serious conntenance bespoke pity or regret.
Thus was Edmund convinced that all was SEM
blance and disguise. His confidence had been
great and this case gave evidence of his weak
ness and self-delusoD
will see her again tomorrow in the cab
met when she will be near we will exchange
words and looks, and the sO-called great world
Will be nothing in our view"
30 thought Edmund, when there was knock
at the box door Mrs Muller was 40 evidently
sinking, that Adrian, affrighted, threw his
arm around her The unhappy woman had
INDUCED the hope, from moment to moment,
that baler, transported by the force of the
poem, would not be able to Withstand the in
fiuence OF the play, which 30 wonderfully rep
resented circumstances similar to those which
related mutually to him and her and-but
she had been further engaged in her dream,
iuil OF hope when knocking at the box door
formed ny 1t were the concluding point of her
lnierences Baler was coming to renew his
acquaintance with the painter and at the same
tnle 10 direct few words to her But, in
place OF her beloved son, she saw strange
ho''d, ana strange voice politely said
Pardon me, Mr.. Muller, if interrupt J
come IN the name Of my sister, who had fixed
on tomorrow for the last sitting, to desire you
10 defer it for n day or two
Edmund smlingIy bowed assent, while acute
pam affected his heart
The Duke has arranged great seighng
party for tomorrow, on a trip to Rosenhoi.r .
continued Globen, "of which Seraphine wishes
10 partake; and since ice and snow are not
every day at our command, as your colors and
pencils are at yours, you will pardon if"--
Very cheerfully will come afterwards
to know the hours
The door closed after Globen The fourth
act OF the play began, and the Baron ap-
preached Baler, who just came cut Of the
Eisheim box.
How now?" asked Globcn
The Countess does not participatc--she is
gong to leave the city"
The deuce And thou hast consented ,
impossible, my friend Has anything happen
'd between you! Perhaps breach
Nothing nothing in the least Women
nave whims," answered Bsler, with an affected
Egawn and Immediately saluted Prince Hyppo-
n'n who came zap 10 him, while Globcn hast
ened further.
Adrian was in fearful predicament AnH-
,,ey Tor his mother and Lucie Iaccrated HE
neart The secret which agitated the former
sonVu's'vcly at every noise, every movement
sa'eev'dence Of an xous solicitude lest il should
"e betrayed and he also saw his sister in
."'oa.en,ng danger. On the morrow they were
ogo 70 kosenhot-the Duke had arranged the
parry hyppolth, who perhaps Was already
mere 10 meet ihem might have aisses.red
Ic;es retreat, might himself 10 with hw.
Hul'an was unwilling 10 indulge shs.s apIse.
'ons but IN restless coostrsins hs looked