The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-05-20

persons were obliged TO overcome any ill-will
they may have felt towards her.
While Erika, overwhelmed in the contempla-
ton of the Minister'S lady, was leaning on
high velvet fanteuil she was not aware that a
young man was without intermission observing
her. Baron Globen, Seraphines brother, a
young elegant who made no special pretences
of earnest conversation with or warm feeling
for Erika, was content to be near her, in order
to obtrude upon the gay world the remark that
he was pleased with the Countess, waited on
her everywhere and danced with her Believ-
ing that he had kept silent long enough, and |
seeing that Erika's attention was not quite free
ly fixed on him, he resolved to speak, and re-
quest her to dance with him.
81 thank you" replied she, quite discOncert-
ed {" | am engaged"
Engaged said Globen, much surprised |
"Why you have been more than half an hour |
standing by the pillar like statue"
And you would noa bring some life into
the statae. perceive your good intention
And must content myself with this sup
position 2"
"Why not since you have obliged me to it?7
Globen bowed Every flattering, but what
is man TO do?"
Let him apply himself to do right Be-
sides, in order to compensate you for the refu-
sal to dance, | request you to conduct me
through the saloon to the Minister'S lady your
aunt must speak with this honorable per-
sOnage without delay"
Gl0ben was prompt to fulfil Erika's wish,
and in few minutes she was seated on tab
ouret next the matron, looking at her with her
hyathncne eyes so beseechingly and searching
ly, that she involuntarily directed to Erika the
ba ops,lA do hn,-
THE business is not about any favor, but
| What could | wish from you that is not so,
and of whom could desire more?"
| "Flatterer!" said the Minister'S lady
"Flatterer! o no. answered Erika, very
earnestly, and somewhat surprised to find her
self 50 Inexperienced
! II hate all hattery for it is the twin sister
of lying, and at least could not so disgrace
myself as to flatter in view of your honorable
and distinguished character By hattery the
vain are bribed and won, and the pure are Of
Tended. Bride you will not but win you,
Madame, [ will nevertheless for a price-the
price of my love- know that you observed
me with the unflattering eye of critic tell
me then candidly, what was the result OF your
scrutiny"
any complete satisfaction answered the
lady.
"Thank God y exclaimed Erika, then
have not deceived myself read this satisfac-
ton yesterday, the day before, and to-day, in
your eye, and built upon this perception my
hopes"
"What are they?n asked the Minister'S lady,
with eagerness.
deem me not eccentric" proceeded Erika
with great earnestness "nor inconsiderate that
here, in place so little suited to the circum-
stance, touch on subject to me of the great
est Importance but it presses 30 heavily on my
breast that | must know if you will adopt
me 7"
singular child" answered the Minister'S
lady, methinks you need no prop"
Erika cast glance on the surrounding COM
pany, and after she had convinced herself that
their attention was taken up with the tour of
contradance, and found herself as it were
alone with the matron, she said, not without
emotion:
IL never had mother, dear lady, never
| tasted the bliss which mothers love can con-
| fer What have so long been deprived Of has
suddenly been made clear to me. have, It's
true, entered the gay world at the side of the
most honored male protector, but without fe-
male guide and adviser. Ever since ] saw you,
dear lady, the ardent desire of my heart was
explained; knew what wanted IL now lies
with you to make me inexpressibly RICH or al
together destitute and poor Will you be my
mother-will you lead minor with your love
strengthen her with your counsel, suffer her to
give ready obedience to your will Say but
single word"
While Erika silently and with depressed
breathing waited an answer, a smile played
upon the countenance of the lady, who with
seriousness replied:
"What shall say to you, Erika, since you
have made me unspeakably happy by your
honorable proposition But would / be capa-
BILE, in the comprehensive sense which you
fondly contemplate, to support myself in the
station to which you would elevate me 2"
80, will Irvine around your love-" cried
Erika, "and if have this, all will be we'll
"This you have" said the Ministers lady,
in tone unusually tender.
"And now, dare | call you mother? Oh,
what magic sound is in this word What
harmony of bliss, of confidence and assu-
rance My good, honored mother And here
after you will say hoS to me, and love and
chastise me like daughter"
The dance was now ended and Count
Eisheim came up to the two females, little
surprised that Eriks had absented herself so
entirely from the circle Of gay young ladies'
Father" said she, frightening up, al have
found a mother Wish me joy Now am !
superabundantly rich!'
The Count did not at first comprehend what
his daughter meant but few words from
the Minister'S lady were sufficient to explain
the matter
"And dare hope from you, Count Esheim,
the confirmation of my new dignity"
The Count looked al his daughter with an
expression of satisfaction "She has always |
hit upon the right said he, "and this time |
she has not mistaken. Take possession Of my |
daughter in love. ! have every reason TO re-
joice at this rivalship in Erka's hearto
The latter was now in a mood In which she |
could have danced with all the world and |
therefore willingly accepted the invitation Of
young man who appeared to have just entered |
the saloon, otherwise he certainly would have |
been previously notices for he was not only
very handsome, but was also in company with |
some dashing young men, who, ~ they con- !
stantly showed, knew how to direct their eyes
to him
whence 10 late, Count Sternhofi" asked
Erika, slightly
The Count to whom she had never appeared |
% radiant and who misunderstood the motive |
Of her question, said, without arrogance
Pardon, Countess; it was impossible for mo
to come sooner"
al have not yet blamed you, therefore give
me no occasion 10 do so, said Erika, gaily
"As to your coming late, it only surprised me,
since did not miss you till now. am yet no
much stranger in these circles that new ac-
quaiutances daily supplant the old, The COM
pany even now, Is 10 me chaos Of satin dress
es, ribands frocks, and gloves notwthstand-
ing hope there will gradually present to me
result Of character, mind, and amiability,
out of all this tumble" :.