The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-08-12
RANK AND NOBILITY
A STORY-BY JEANNE MARIE.

Tonslated for the Era by D.. Eaicjn A. Atles.
With hurried steps she paced the streets, till
she came to that in which Mrs Muller dwelt
and then lay sick How might she be- Her
heart retarded her steps; she reflected not
whether it were suitable then to go in. or if she
might find Adrian there aud was long in
deciding being quite near the house, and hav-
ing yesterday left it at a late hour Her heart
trembled, and she concluded not to re-enter
1t was IA clear bright winter morning; the
suns RAYS broke in a thousand colors ON the
newly fallen snow, and the heaven stretched
its ethereal blue pavilion over the crystal.cov-
cred rows of houses, between which she walked
Erika felt herself every moment more free
Nature exercised a powerful influence upon
her. At the entrance of 80 street she stood
a moment, TO rest and collect herself, when she
heard behind her the tinkling of bells of the
first sleigh this morning. The voices sounded
so pleasantly that she turned to see who were
driving by; and glance was enough What
a singular SURPRISE Adrian with IA strange
lady-an angel form, that leaned her head on
his shoulder. Apprehension and grief were in
Adrian's looks. The surprise was momentary,
but laid hoid on tsriku.- The sleigh few past
her, and she was unobseryed by Adrian, who
seemed quite absorbed in care and sympathy
for his companion. Erka saw from a small
distance how he lifted the light form in his
arms, and carried her into the house How
| came it that to her all now seemed in shade,
which Int shsrt gme prosio,,sly was over
spread with brightness
| The sleigh, in returning gded slowly over
towards her, AZ if seeking new employment
Erka felt herself greatly weakened, and beck
oning to the driver n sprghtly young fellow,
asked if he would drive her to the Great
| Market No. 8. The young man nodded as
sent sprang from the seat, threw back the fur
cover and Erika stepped in, going the second
| time over the road, but much more speedily
and in how different state In earnest med-
| tation she arrived ut the Minister'S house.
where Seraphncs inqulring countenance sa-
| luted her through the window. But as she
| assembled the steps, leaning on GlOben's arm
she so far regained her self,command as to
meet her foster-mother with smile, and to ex-
plain the enigma of her appearance at 50 UNI
usual an hour.
"You will stay now, and participate in the
slegh-rid e?D
"Yes,n said Erika, proudly erecting herself
Now viii begin, for the first time in earnest,
to launch into the vortex Of pleasure
GIobcn hurried off to make n new arrange
ment. but, after an hour or two returned to
the ladies with quite different physiognomy.
1t is all over with the sleighing party cried
he Take off your bonnet again Seraphne;
and you, Countess, cannot begin to-day to
launch into the vortex of pleasure"
why, what has happened" asked the
Minister'S lady while Seraphine, in dsap-
pointment, drew the white plumes of her Bib
through her fingers, and Erika carelessly threw
herself upon the sofa.
Wonderful, very wonderful dongs,' an
swered Globen, significantly Let me first
take breath; then will narrate the chain Of
adyentures.D
"Heavens, what can it be?n asked Sera-
phine eager to know.
"A romance complete romance, child;
therefore listen
awe hear" cried Seraphine, having recov-
cred her serenity, and throwing herself into
causeuse.
And Globcn related in detail, and with re-
marks, what we already know.
The Prince is frantic" concluded he !;
"Hyppolth is at his fathers feet weeping,
praying and raving Under present circum-
stances seigh-rdc is out of the question"
But how do you know all this ~ asked
Seraphinc
II know il from the Duke himself, or rather
through the Prince. lie told Sternhof, and
have Il from him The Old man is quite over
come by his sons suferings. He is the only
son and his chief treasure. Stcrnhof himself
was affected But Miller must be man out
right He has been with the Duke, it seems
and given him the particulars of the affair, and
he is said to have wept in the arms OF the
preacher
"But what will be the issue of all this con-
fusion" asked Seraphine
Truly it may be some time ere the storm
reused minds will be quietcd and meantime
the snow will disappear
IF only the young Prince do not commit
some harm said Seraphine Such passion
ate men are capable of doing anything
" But his pain will not last as long as with
the more steady replied the Minister'S lady.
% | am convinced that the blusterhead will be
pacfied IA soon ~ he pcrcelyes that the fulfil
ment of his wishes IL impossible And Muller,
who is 40 powerful, caught in the wheel OF
destiny viii not defer proceeding to the main
business, and will place the capstone on these
complications"
% But whence comes this girl 2 asked Sera-
phinc.
"Heaven knows, cannot tell. a founding
in rags picked up somewhere by the deceased
humane pastor, and out OF compassion brought
into hiss house. answered Globen
Erika said not a word She rat closely
wrapped in her shawl, quite unmoyed by the
communication of the young man. Her conn
tenanco, however, betrayed her extreme inter
est in the occurrences.
LAST VISIT.
A scene in the parsonage house OF VII