The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-07-22

for the end OF the tragedy lie could no longer
bear the narrow box bis anxiety drove HIM u
activity. Every minute that kept him muslng
here, seemed to portend harm to his sister. lie
was in feverish excitement, but was IN some
measure composed when he saw Hyppolth en-
ter the Dukes box.
The fifth act began, and Mrs Mullers agi
tation was at its height. Baler's voice reached
her. so pleasant. so distinct so free from anxiety
betraying nevertheless deeper feeling 1t was
cruel. Without turning to her, he left the box
and again stood opposite her, coldly and indif'
ferentIy ogling the public, and paying but little
attention to the stage. There the passions
were at the height. Richard, not acknowi
edged by his mother, cast off in want and
wretchedness, is resolving to leave the world
when Lady Maeclesfeld enters, in consequence
of information from Hannah. The meeting is
truly affecting. The lady recognises him, and
her obduracy melts
at is indeed my son " she cries aloud. The
voice rang piercingly in Mrs. Muller's ears
Her glance flew over to Baler, who still void Of
feeling, held the Lorgnet to his eye. A chord
broke in her heart and with n faint cry she
SwoOned away. Most of the spectators were
not aware of this tragedy in tragedy, but Erlka
looked on the scene in the box with sympa-
thizing and throbbing heart. 1t impelled her
to offer help. She was nearest knew the lady
glance. word exchanged with her father
and she hasted to her duty
Adrian had taken his mother in his strong
arms, and carried her out of the box, to with.
draw her from the view of the crowd, and
bring her into a more airy apartment Ed
mund was about to hasten in search of car.
rage, when Erika met him, and said:
"Our carriage waits below Permit me, Mr.
Muller, to take your mother home in it. We
women understand best how to treat the sick y
There was no time for reflection. 1t was
necessary that Mrs. Muller should be placed
in safety, ere the crowd, now rushing out
should suffocate her.
a look of thankfulness answered the Count
css, and he carried his mother down the steps
Edmund meanwhile threw Erka's cloak and
capote over her. and both in haste followed
those who were stepping out Having arrived
below, they found formidable bulwark OF
carriages; but Erika's voice was heard, Fred
eric answered and Immediately Eishem's
equipage drew up before the portal and while
Edmund went for II physician, Erika drove
with Mrs. Miller in her arms, and Adrian OPP
poslte, to - street
The situation of the young Countess was one
50 singular, that she would herself have thought
it impossible, an hour or two before And yet
II was 80 natural a consequence of humane and
Christian duty. She could not do otherwise,
and Gained herself in the popularity of dri-
wing through the city ut night, as it were alone
with strange man. The bright street lights
shot through the glass windows of the carriage,
so that they could see each other distinctly.
Mrs. Muller still lay pale and senseless in n
corner of the carriage, her head leaning on
Erika's shoulder. Adrian, holding his mothers
hand in his, sat opposite, with uneasy looks
watching the countenance Of the sufferer.
Erika, with blushing cheeks, and eyes glisten-
ing in their nun-lke yelling, did not stir and
thus the three. shut in motionless in a confined
place, and under much secret agitation, arrived
at - street. The carriage stopped as direct
ed, and Adrian hasted to open the door, while
Erika gently raised Mrs Muller
1t liz indeed my son ~ said She with faint
voice.
Thank Cod" cried Erika, she is reoov-
ering.n
Mrs. Muller gazed on the strange lady, and
in surprise asked
"Have betrayed him 2"
Adrian, who was returning that his mother
had awoke from her stupefaction, and spoken
"Where is Mrs Mnller's bed-chamber ~
asked Erika of the maid who was lighting
them and turning to Adrian, said:
You must allow me to take care of your
mother till the physician comes
Without waiting for his answer, she followed
the maid, who led her to comfortable, mod
erately warmed sleeping-room. Here Erika,
with the help of the stranger, quietly selected
the suitable means for restoration and when,
half an hour afterwards, there was knock at
the door, and the physician was admitted,
Adrian saw through the opening how Erika
kneeled at the bed of the patient, and smiling
ly bent down to speak in gentIeness to her.
She is better" said Rrika to Adrian clear
ing the way for him and the physician " How
glad am that all danger is over
Counties" answered Adrian, falling at her
feet, +" | honor and thank you
am so happy" said she, with indescri-
bable expression
"You must ever be So" answered Adrian ;
for one so good as you carries heaven in her
bosom"
And yet no star seems as yet to rise in this
heaven, Mr.. Muller" she hurriedly continued
81 have reflected much on our conversation at
the artists exhibition. II has been so frequent
ly revived, that wished to ask you some ques-
tons; but no opportunity offered"
Adrian blushed He thought of the evening
at the Dukes Erika had no idea of how much
that surrender cost him And he politely said :
81 shall in few days have the honor :
butt
"You were sick ? interrupted Erka.
IL was sick at least my head was not in
order that evening"
For some time they stood mute 1t was a. if
their minds held silent dialogue Their change
of color, the expression of their mien, the
brightness of their eyes, betokened at least
inward life
"The physician stays very long, said Erika,
at last
But at this moment he came with Edmund
from the sick chamber
She will have good night it is nothing
of moment" said the physician, with compo-
sure, while looking for his hat. An over-ex-
element of the nerves, and consequent relaxa-
tion--nothing more. | will see her again TO-
morrow"
Erika went to take an afectionate leave OF
Mrs. Muller, and prepared to leave the house,
her carriage being still in waiting.
Accompany the Countess" whispered Adri-
TN to his brother. Erika heard.
~ thank you,n said she, and the tears trem-
bled rs she spoke. "Remain here; Frederic
will take me safely homen
Edmund handed her into the carriage, while
Adrian stood motionless for time. listening 10
the rattle of the wheels as they rolled along
Edmund got up behind.
Erka found herself in q strange state OF
mind ON leaving Mrs. Muller's house, and,
leaning against the carriage, gave herself up
10 reflection. In this secluson, with the mo-
Dotonous music of the wheels she could have
wished To drive round the world Adrian
behaviour was so much Of an enigma, that the
solution Of il engaged her earnestly The ele-
walton Of his character; his stability, that wit