The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1855-10-24
The Smith of Augsburg.

him the approval and regard of his master
while his good nature and obliging disposition
caused him 10 be a faYorite with all who knew
him. His master, in truth, so highly estimated
his skillfulness and excellent workmanship
that when the boy grew into man, he offered
to make him his partner, and moreover limited
that he was not displeased at the young mans
friendship with his daughter.
Now this alarmed Willibald, who, though
certainly much favored by the young lady, was
quite free from any feeling of love for her. He
replied to all her advances with distant though
profound respect, and the reason of his coldness
was apparent.
In the small house opposite lived dame Mar
tina, respectable widow, with granddaupl,-
terof uncommon loveliness, about sixteen years
of age. The sweet face of the young Ellen had
quite captivated the heart Of Wilibald, and
when he saw her through the window, or the
open door, neatly dressed, sitting at the spin
ming wheel, OR heard her clear voice warb1ing
hymns, he thought there could be no happiness
so great as that of calling her his own Ellen
was her grandam's darling, and the delight of
her eyes, and the old woman seldom suffered
her to stir from her sight. So that there was
no opportunity for the youth to declare tl,e pas
sion with which the fair girl had inspired him.
For long while did Willibald wish in vain
for some pretence for a visit to their dwelling,
but fortune at length favored him. One day
when the snow and ice made the ground SO
slippery as to be dangerous to an infirm person
he saw dame Martha coming out of the church
alone. He hastened to Offer. the assistance of
his arm, and conducted her home. She invited
him to enter, for she thought to herself that
only very worthy young man would be so
courteously attentive to an aged dame. She
offered him also a cup of beer, whichthe pretty
Ellen presented with her own hands.
Tho was now happier than Willibald? From
this day he was one of Dame Martha's most
frequent vislers and was always received with
welcome. In process of time, he made bold
to lay open his heart to the old woman, and ask
permission to make love to her granddaughter
MY dear young FRIEND" was her reply, Il
have the highest esteem for you, and, indeed,
could never wish for Ellen a better husband
than yourself I believe she loves, you too, as
much as becomes damsel, but you have not
eyet sufficient for the support of wife. can
give my little girl nothing except good stock
of clothing as her portion, and It's not the part
of prudence to commence life by falling into
debt. Save from your wages decent sum,
thirty gold pieces, that will be enough, as I
know, for a beginning, then come and receive
your bride with my blessing.'
Wilibald was almost beside himself with Joy.
He had now an object for labor and frugalty
and he redoubled his industry, laying by care
fully all he made. Ellen assited him, for she
was much attached to him, and spun more
briskly than ever, now that she was permitted
to add her small savings to her lovers store.
The lovers met less frequently, but their time
passed pleasantly, for they were both incessant-
ly occupied, with hope to animate their toll
Every Sunday evening Willibald went over to
dame Martha's, and told her how much he
had earned and saved the preceding week
Thus the weeks passed, and eighteen months
rolled by, and the young smith with Joy an
nounced himself master of FIVE and twenty gold
pieces.
| About this time dame Martha became indis-
posed with bad cough, which rendered her
almost helpless, at least quite unable to work
according to her custom. Her physician pre-
scribed change of air, and said longer abode
in the narrow and confined streets of the city
would kill her. She must remove to the coun-
try. The dame followed this advice, and took a
little cottage in the suburbs, about an hours
walk from the city.
Wilibad was grieved enough when he found
himself so far from his beloved, but he loved
her the more, and proved the truth of the old
proverb, 'the further off the charmer, the
dearer the way to her" Every Sunday he went
to visit her. and thought the air of the country
even improved her beauty.
One day as Willibald approached the house,
| l., IL i
bitterly as he drew near, and exclaimed, "Ah,
Wilibald, what misfortuneP'
"Y GU know it, then!" cried he, with faltering
voice.
"What- asked Ellen, quickly
and eagerly. *...
THAT have been robbed of my box of
money" answered the YOUTH in tone of an
guish. Il could find it nowhere this morning
some one has stolen it. You see all our pru-
dence and foresight has gone for nothing"
"Alasr' replied Ellen, ''then misfortunes
never come single! Yesterday morning rich
gentleman came to our cottage. He asked for
a drink of water, and when handed it to him,
he looked at me earnestly, and asked if would
go with him and be his wife. I answered no, ,
but he returned early this moning, and de-
manded me of grandam. His name is Wer-
ner, he is rich merchant from Ulm. Even
now he is sitting in the room yonder, with my
grandam, drinking wine, and telling her of his
house and lands, while his servant, who stands
by the chimney, confirms everything he says.
But be comforted dear Willibald, my grandam
may say what she will, will die rather than be
faithless to you'll
Here dame Martha came out of the house,
and commanded Ellen to go in directly. The
poor girl was forced to obey, and the old wo-
man said to Willibald, Young man, l came to
say to you that think it best you should come
no more to my cottage. A rich man is a sui
tor to my Ellen, and it is my duty to do what
is for her good l say nothing of myself and
my infrm age, I could cheerfully bear hard
ship, but wish to see hersurrounded by Gem
fort and elegance. 1 put it to yourself-what
could you offer the girl? Would you have her
bind herself to poverty and toll, now when
she may place herself in ease and affiuence?"
Very good-very good, dame Martial"
cried Willibald, half choking with emotion. Il
say nothing Of your conduct! If you choose to
break an honest fellows heart-and your own
"a. Ill NO