The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-06-03
WASHINGTON, ID. G.
RANK AND NOBILITY
A sToRY-BY JEANNE MARIE.

saw that she was Vioitntly agitdteu iio NM
self began to be troubled. A secret antlclpa-
ton dawned within him, which be suddenly
apprehended ~ truth; and, in order to say
something, he drily asked 1t Muller had re-
ceived this great sacrifice.
He received it, said the stranger, weeping
CLARA with her hearts blood signed the act
of remuneration, by virtue OF which you were
given over to Count Waldemar as legitimate
property.
and the mother, while in delirium, was required
to promise never TO attempt to demand you, nor
even to see you again. Claras strength was
now broken, and she acquiesced in everything
A brilliant future opening tor her child, con-
soled her but her peace was destroyed Inc
letters that she occasionally exchanged with
vour aunt were the only comforting tokens OF
a future reconciliation with her child. BY
these letters, Count Sternhof your mother
knew you accompanied all your steps and fol-
lowed you from one stage to another; learnt
TO read with you, WAS with you abroad, knew
all, all and while others strove to stihe in her
the remembrance of you, she lived with you
every moment"
Here the stranger took from casket a
racket of letters and handed them to the
Count, who could not mistake the handwriting
of his aunt He cast scrutinizing look on the
addresses of the letters then coolly asked
80 the marriage of Muller with my mother
actually took place?"
Not only that" replied the stranger; "your
mother also spent long and happy wedlock
with him, which, when the shades of sad re-
membrance did not darken, deserved to be
called bright one"
"And my mother still lives in this happy
wedlock?"
She lives, but severed for year past, by
death, from the only man Of her love. Muller
is no more"
The stranger pressed the kerehief to her
eyes while Baler, embarrassed, turned over
the letters, and found subjoined the certificates
of marriage of Clara Won Schoenholm with
Count Sternhof and of Mr. John Muller with
the widow. also the certificate of his own bap
tism.
There was now no doubt and in few min.
utes the veil was to be removed.
Muller never consented that Clara should
visit you under a strange NAME" continued
the stranger He was firm as a rock in al
his sentiments, and possessed supernatural
power over her But now she 10 free, the hap
py bond is broken, and srdently does she stretch
forth her arms to press her long-withheld child
TO her heart, and entreat his forgiveness. Ba
Ter - she cried, with broken voice, and throw
ing herself at his feet "Does no emotion in thy
breast plead for me Hast thou not recognised
me by my tears my throbbing heart, my tor
ture, and my rapture at sight of thee! Thy
much-tried mother will not move from Thu
place till thou hast assured her of thy pardon
and thy love- Baler my best beloved, my
eldest son, say one word raise me, support me
that | may again find on thy bosom my Ions
lost rest"
Sternhof was pathetically moved, even great
y agitated. Though he had ever been treat
ed with kindness. vet such love rs this he ha(
never before witnessed. To find himself thui
situated, to think that this strange, trembling
female, who embraced him with such tender
ness, was the one nearest to him on earth, con.
founded and overcame him.
Long rested Mrs Mlller's searching look
upon her son, as if seeking the "Reminiscences Of
his childhood resemblance of the little happy
boy. Yes" said she at length, eyes thou
art the same Baler whom | rocked, whom
nursed in sickness, and from whom tore my.
self with all the pangs of desperation. This il
the same light brown hair with which ] de.
lighted to play; these are the same eyes which
so mournfully cast their feverish glance on me,
or in mirth shed their brightness this is the
mouth that first gave me the name compre-
hending all earthly bliss when beloved child
pronounces it. And here on the forehead is
the little scar, the trace Of which time has not
permitted to be lost 1t is still the memorial
Of thy disobedience, the consequence OF thy
wildness All, Baler! vert thou yet that child,
that angehcally beautiful and good child, 81
that | might take care of thee and show thee
my love- How shall now do itW
Baler listened with emotion to his mother
but knew not how to answer. He held her
hand in his, looked pleasantly at her. kissed
her forehead, and opened his mouth to speak
but felt so oppressed, so confused that he could
not utter his words Immediately. Finally, at
ter having overcome the paroxyism and Mrs
Muller had recovered and collected herself
Balcr turned the conversation to his foster pa
rents, the life in their house. his education, hi
travels and was now in his element.
Mrs. Muller listened attentively; every wore
ne spoke was of meaning to her, and gave q
view of his character and past life. She point
ed out to him the letters of the Countess Wal
demar, all written in very kind but reserved
tone; from which Baler perceived that his aun
was certainly happy, that she Inherited him az
II were from Francis, bat did not accord with
ms mothers procedure II was not however
ms place to act the Judge, since he was bount
TO be ever thankful to Muller for having pro
Hued HIM so happy lot. Nevertheless be
knew not all was not aware Of the fulnes o.
wealth his mother was about 10 heap upon
MN, and with astonishment heard her nara
1--WE OF a circle Of kindred who had never been
thought Of
have lived but a short time in this city,
continued she, with emotion, "whsre knew
thou hadst wish to rest on thy return from
the tour, and where at present nv two young
est sons reside Thy sister is not here now
Aorian Keeps her in preacher family in tn,
country, concealed from the pursuit of pas
slonate young man.
Ihs Adrian, who resembles hi. father in
Yill and conduct oven TO the most minute mar
'Genlars, is spending few DAYS with the youps
fInce Reichsfeld 10 whom he was recommend
eu as companion on journey to England aut
Oack again. He is more esteemed by him thar
any other man. Thou wilt wonder at this con
nuentlal relation between them, and wilt no,
comprehend how 30 young a man "a Adriar
.ould be the protector and adviser of a youti
tblpa a.s'oaate as inexperienced. But will Civ.
sn ,ne Key Of this problem =
whom I n was but short time my husband
tbron,t puke Reichsfeld's wifs, when passing
Ken 'he town, heard him preach, was t..
nsr;.t S'tn ms discourse, and offered him thu
m On her manor, which Muller accepted
the luxe at that time lived with his family ia
The palace at Reichsfeld a. be now doss during
scs Iealer part Of the year From this pal
sOd ;'e parsonage is bat half rile distant
sh;n " as 80 happened that We enjoyed the friend
u TINS prinoely pair many years.
En o'ct Us wss MllIer's uniform manner q
the and honest as were his views Il wsH never.
sae,ess impossible To keep our children alto
s''"'r Of distance from the young sPriacs