The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-06-10

ihh AHiAN Eh
I'm the company saloon Of the Minister'S lady
were two females in earnest conversation-the
mistress Of the house, with her newly -sdoptsd
daughter.
Since the evening Of the ball, in which Erika
nv permission asked, was taken into daughter
" connection. she was almost daily guest in
Hoekstein House. As Count Eisheim was much
in demand and spent his time partly in bust
ness, and partly in company with interesting
persons he was separated from his daughter
but few hours in the day he therefore saw
with pleasure that she placed herself under the
guardianship of the Minister'S lady who was
rs worthy of her attention as her love.
Thong this parsonage passed in the world
for a strict Judge and sharp observer, yet in
her house she was mild and indulgent, and
Erka stood in high estimation with her. This
Young lady had not only captivated her adopt
ed mother by her appearance, but knew also
how to awaken her sympathy, and thoroughly
achieved the address, the homage, distinction,
and confidence, due for being brought there
Erika had not insinuated herself clandestinely
into her affections but made an open conquest
of her heart which tasted once more the long
wished-for happiness of being beloved Mar
ried to a Jealous and strict man Of business,
with whom she lived in childless wedlock she
had never known a warm sentiment. The
only being that stood nearer to her was sis
ter, after whose death she. sought amends in
the education of her children, whom she took
in charge, but was disappointed. Her nephew,
Eugene Won Globen, had made premature
progress in levity and given painful anticipation
of his future life His sister Seraphine had
never obtained her aunt's entire confidence Re
served, distant and shy, she was ever evasive
when child and through fear other strict Judge
often gave way to falsehoods, and, when grown
up. to assimilation. The aunt, almost con-
stantly penetrating this propensity and insist
ing on the truth, often disconnected the mind
of the deceiver; and though she had long given
up the task of controlling her niece and re-
proving her falsehoods, she from ingenious
ness of mind and the interest she took in her
welfare, warned her of her fate. Hence it was
very natural that Erika, who was entirely the
counterpart of Seraphine, should make pecu-
larly favorable impression on her foster mother,
and that she unreservedly gave what she had
right to demand of her niece The prefer
ence of Erka did not escape Seraphine; but,
as she did not love her aunt, and was not so
blind as not to perceive the fault of her rejec-
ton to be in her own conduct she therefore
felt not her heart wounded, but her pride NOR
titled; for SeraphinS was, beyond conception
proud Whoever knew how to fatter, won
her trihe could bride her, a glance of admi
ration enchant her, fattering word carry heI
away. She believed all that was said in hel
favor could not bear any who undertook tc
find fault with her; held in extraordinary esti
nation, and wasted much time at, her toilette
and could not live without an adorer.
We said at the commencement OF this chap
ter, that two females were seen in earnest con
versation in the saloon We now, after th
short DEPRESSION, return to them
"You do not believe dearest mother begar
Erika, show much now long after Eschen
and, since you promised me a visit there, car
hardly wait till spring am sick of this hol
low company; and, did not believe was com
plying with the wishes of my father, nothing
could induce me to 90 to another ball"
I" | foresaw this confession answered the
Minister'S lady, smiling; for too often did
read the tediousness in thy countenance, when
the cotillion seemed never to have an endp
"The sympathy" rejoined Erika, with ami.
nation, the sympathy with my dear, good
patient mother. who esteemed it her duty to
hold out until all was over, and she could con-
duet her daughter safely home. Certainly, were
1t not on Seraphine's account and mine she
would not endure the torture Such a cotillon
is real martyrdom, as well for the body as
the mind both finally suffer most miserably."
If Count Sternhof were to hear this, with
whom thou hadst the honor to conclude almost
every ball, he would not be much gratifed at
thy being weary of his conversation"
Altogether he is really my favorite among
all; but to speak in confidence, something
quite peculiar some radical means against re-
taxation and WEAKNESS of mind, we cannot call
even him"
" He is handsome"
But shockingly charmed with hmself--ex-
ceedingly selfconceited"
splendid match!p
That is Indifferent to me- A man may
have the wealth of Crnsns; still he would not,
on that account, be in the least degree accept
able to me-
wonder, then, who would suit thy fancy
Thou certainly hast learnt to know many men
IN the course Of thy life, and hast thou not yet
gwen one the preference! Dost thou know,
Erka, | feel constantly anxious that thou
canst never, even once, love rightly in a wrong
place ~
The first is possible, the second not SC, my
dear mother. II l am to love but once--apd
'1ei that this be but orce In my hfr--it
snal certainly be the right one. And know,
my dear mother, this will take place promptly,
strongly. There viii be no elaboration, no
surmlse twill suddenly and powerfully bear
me along, While | can repress and command
my feeling, and it has not made me an invol-
1ntary captive, 80 long it will not be the right
love. o, would rejoice il this golden light
were once to burst upon me, and could with
inii yeneratiou and love look upon the man.
but 4 coa.
take place.
Erlka, thou art enthusiastic thou deceiyest
myself have not seen thee as at this mo-
ment my anxiety for thee increases
III ever shall be 40 happy as to see that
star rise on my horizon. and II shall ASCEND
even beyond my reach shall not desrond or
sink on that account Full of relimnee will
look upon him he shall send RAYS OF strength
aud encouragement into my soul. But an.
oSther--even If he were n second star as bril-.
liant as he--a second could not love. Either
once or never. ! wait in resignation
Singular girl!' said the Minister'S lady.
! have, them not known thee till now be-
Heyed thee TO be thoroughly rationale
o,, but nut you arc glad ~ find me heart through
lear and rejoice cannot do otherwise. ("
~ TINS moment Count Sternhof sent in his
osdn lie came not quite opportunity but
I .is, We're given to admit him and, with his
a"a negligent assurance Baler entered,
~ sea.ed himself by Enks A look assured
80" I mat 1iobcn had not tattIed, had not sown
e., dlstrust IN the heart of the Countess
sho az nae. him with ready ai3abiiity, and as
she u'u not like to waste time in conversation.
Conn, 70 Sase " . serious turn, and asked the
him aa :, ne had recovered entirely, reproving
maaS a. sne same time Cor having 10 little com,
would either not visit company, IL were