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


The Minister'S lady undesgnedy said what
tended to dsquiet Baler; but, though he felt
tho hitter reproof Of her words, he turned cool
" from her. and addressed himself TO Globen,
who lust then entered the box
aWby hast thou forsaken the Countess
Eisheimq 2" asked the latter " Hast thou in
formed her of the party tomorrow? Will she
partake!'
aNot vet answered Baler 81 did not wish
10 leave the ladies while thou vast buzzing
about Lady ~
During the first act Count Sternhof had
been combating with himself whether to 60
over to Erika, and place himself in close prox-
imitv 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 indiffer-
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"
Erlka 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 Hyppolith She had moreover read
letter of his in which he clearly explained his
religious views in answer to the Dukes invita-
ton to Reichsfeld 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 Mt the
Dukes, yet she hoped for certainty here. But
what could prejudice Adrian against her how
had 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 good evening, she was
aroused in fright His vanity misntcrpreted
her emotion; and with a soft tremulous tone,
he addressed her:
why so thoughtful 2"
"Why SO affected ~ answered Erika, giving
him searching look. " Has the piece so laid
hold of YOU"
Baler blushed Every word could be heard
in his mothers box. He did not hook into it,
but continued in light conversation with Erka.
Mrs. Muller trembed with emotion Adrian
lost nothing Edmund in the back ground
squeezed himself in corner of the box and
was quite negligent of the presence of Sera-
phlne, though a 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 thyselfn increasingly reproached
him. A 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
terfies in uniforms and black frocks fisttered
and hrted about her as the graceful fairy. No
serious conntenapce bespoke pity or regret
Thus was Edmund convinced that all was SEM
bance and disguise. His confidence had been
great, and this case gave evidence of his weak
ness and self-dclusion.
II will see her again tomorrow, in the cab
iaet, when she will be near; we viii exchange
words and looks, and the so-called great world
Will be nothing in our viewn
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
huence OF the play, which 50 wonderfully rep
resented circumstances similar to those which
related mutually to him and her; and-but
she had been further engaged in her dream,
iull OF hope, when knocking at the box door
formed rs It were the concluding point of her
lnierences. Baler was coming to renew his
acquaintance with the painter, and at the same
ume TO direct few words to her But, in
u
head and strange voice politely said
Pardon me- Mr.. Muller, if interrupt.
come in the name of my sister, who had fixed
on tomorrow for the last sitting, TO desire you
to defer it for day or two,
Edmund smilingly bowed assent, while acute
pain affected his heart
The Duke has arranged great sleighing-
party for Tomorrow on q trip to Rosenhoi,"
continued Globen, "of which Seraphine wishes
10 partake; and since ice and snow are not
every day at our command, as your oolors and
pencils are at yours you will pardon if"---
Very cheerfulIy 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 out Of the
Eisheim box.
How nowi" asked Globen.
Inc Countess does not participate--she is
gong to leave the city,
The deuce! And thou hast consented
impossible my friend Has anything happen
'u between you! Perhaps breach"
Nothing. nothing in the least Women
nave whims" answered Baler with an affected
yawn, and Immediately saluted Prince Hyppo-
n'h, who came up 10 him, while Globen hast
ened further
Adrian was in fearful predicament Anx-
,ey Tor his mother and Luce laccrated his
"esr', The secret which agitated the former
.ons"'s'vely at every noise, every movement
sA'sev'denee OF anxious solicitude lest il should
avs betrayed and he also saw his sister in
Questioning danger. On the morrow they were
80 70 hosenhof-the Duke had arranged the
parry HypPolith, who perhaps was already
mere 70 meet them, might have discovered
Xcss retreat, might himself be with her.
Ssnsn was unwilling TO indulge thsss sppre-
os but " restless constraint he looked