The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1852-1855, 1853-03-03

antique in Germany, and contains about
Il, 900 inhabitants. I like to prepare my
readers with tolerable idea of the locality
wherein the events narrated transpire-for
then may hope to impress them with at
least two-fold sympathy in my dramutis
persona. The street in which Herr Bom-
garten had his residence was among the
Oldest in the town aforesaid, and his resi-
dence the oldest in it.
He was himself, also, high dried piece
Of antiquity, usually enveloped in cloud OF
smoke from sunrise to sunset, except when
his fair daughter sat beside him at the even
| ing meal and talked over the affairs Of the
day. On such occasions he would 'natrate
incidents in his progress through life, and
dwell upon acquiring the independence
which they enjoyed. He had one passion
in excess-an intense love OF music; and
had one time been no mean proficient on the
violin. At the festal held periodically in
all tho principal German towns, his judg-
ment was appealed to; and indeed no meet
! ing of the kind was considered complete If
he, by any chance was absent. 1t may,
therefore, naturally be inferred that his
daughter had been early instructed in the
elements of the art; and at nineteen she was
a pianist of considerable attainrflents.-
These circumstances formed the basis of a
desire which became stronger with itsyears,
and which confirmed a resolve that she should
wed one of the most accomplished musicians
of the age. They say that when all pas
sions die, ambition survives; and acquires
force proportioned to its solitariness and
singleness of aim. Certainly it is, that out
of the many suitors whom the beauty and
gentleness of disposition of Azalia attracted
to the domici. OF Herr Bomgarten, not one,
! ESQ scrupulous was he on the score of musi-
cal perfection) was permitted to continue his
visits. Anxiety for the fulfilment of a hope
being usually in proportion to its strength,
her sire, as the young lady approached twen-
ty one, began to experience dread that he
might not see her settled This preyed up
on his spirits deeply, and urged him to pub
lish, as widely as possible, his Intentions
To that end he invited to his house on a cer-
tain day, all Of the class musical who chose
to compete for his daughter. declaring that
at midnight he would decide on the claims of
the aspirants. Now it is necessary should
inform my readers that in the grand apart
ment of Herr Bomgarten's mansion there
was piece of furniture supposed to have
been fabricated by Hungarian magician,
and which exhibited 50 much Of apparent
Witness that it had been denomnated by
common consent the Devils Clock.
This time-keeping edifce struck all man.
ner Of ways; but whatever might be its va
gsriesj it was always true in the solemn
twelve" at midnight; so that Herr Bonn
garten, not without reason, fixed upon that
hour to decide his long cherished scheme.
The day at length arrived, and it may be
imagined that not little preparation had
been made. The piano forte Gone of Kor-
ner's latest improycments) was placed under
the mirror of immense size, and exactly op-
apostle to the (istaD clock.
Azalia was dressed in holiday Suit, and
luvcler than usual, and from this circum-
stance, her father argued prosperous finale.
At about eight O'Clock in the evening, the
suitors were assembled; and the players
who ventured to offer themselves as com
pettOrs for So beautiful and 50 rich prize,
were four in number. They seVeraliy sat
down to the instrument and each appeared,
more than his predecessor, to astonish the
aulienCc3 and it was generally imagine d
that the last performer would be entitled to
become the fair girls husband. But ere
Herr Bomgarten had quite resolved in his
own mind the exact merits of each candid
ate, another stood beside the instrument, and
rather by signs than words, indictted that
hes too, must try his skill.
The guests seemed extremely puzzled at
this singular apparit on; for up to that mo-
ment the gentleman had not been observed
in the room at all! One or two persons, in
deed, declared that he had actually stepped
from the clock-case as the last player oI
the four had concluded his fantasia. Be il
as it may, he sat down to the piano, and pro-
duced, but it is wholly impossible to des.
cribe the sensation. He now withered up
the heart with the intensity of his pathos;
and again enchanted the soul with multitu-
dnous images Of delight. Then would he
pour over the Imagination storm of har.
. monies that exalted it almost to frenzy; and
anon subdued it to the placidity of child
hood. He was the man; yet, who was
he! The question was fearful one. He
was handsome--his aspect was singular
wild and melancholy. He executed with
r marvellous case, but his mind appeared
Gudging from his eye) to be wandering o.
yer the fields of thought remote from tha
in which he was engaged He rose. Her
Bomgarten sprang from his seat; and woulC
have embraced him, but was repelled by hi:
peculiarly of mien. Few minutes had ht
to decide, for midnight was at hanl, Al
to the pretty Azalia sac wore no expression
save only tnat OF rx::seme ralor, and Of in
ternal agitation; but when the stranger, q!
the clock struck "twelve," touched her hant
to depart, she rose at once, and without ap
parent reluctance. The most surprising
part of the whole business was this: tba
the stranger, holding the hand of the young
7 lady proceeded at once to the Devils Clock
: and giving one melancholy glance at th'
: company. touched spring and retire'
!. within its case.
As the door closed on the fatal couple,
o murmur of horror ran through the assembled
h guests. The unhappy father was SO affect
% ed that he tainted away, and as sensation re
/. turned, declared that he repented sorely o
having interfered with the DEGREES of Provi
: dence. "Ahr' he exclaimed, "twodld that
st had selected some honest youth among on
e neighbors for her husband! Carl Won Mul
o Ter, for instance; who loved her dearly, an
was beloved in return, and whom | drov
from the house," Scarcely had he mad
l. this avowal when the clock case again open
i. ed, and the stranger STEPPING from it, said i
i. a sepGlchral voice, "If your daughter, {
man of ambitious views, were now marie
. to Carl Won Muller, would you give her you
e blessingl" Il would! would!' exclaime
5 the old man, sobbing. Then, exclaimed tb
. | appurition, come forth We hhnnv nairp A