The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-06

and praised he is off at last, my dear old
mani"
The Merchant raised himself in his bed. and
with kind of smile, between sweet and sour,
said
That was cursed hard to do, but it is done:
and now we must think of other matters. 1t
was fortunate that he mentioned his engage
ment otherwise, with the hopes we cherished
about Rosa, l should have gained nothing be-
yond fourteen days grace; now, on the con-
trary, as all that is at an end, must follow my
first plans-that is ALL"
Seeing that his wife was preparing to urge
some objections, he said at once
"Brigitta Marie, my old woman, do go into
the next room, my love for l must collect my
ideas"
The day after, in the evening, Rosa wrapped
herself In her cloak, and went to the Professor
house, to execute the commission for Ferdi-
nand
The old gentleman, pipe in mouth, was seat
ed in his armchair by the fire, and, as he pulled
away, an occasional hem, hem," escaped his
lips.
Rosa lightly tripped over the carpet to his
side, and tapped him upon the shoulder.
GOOD evening, dear unce-how are you to-
day."
"Eh, Ell is it you, dear child?" The Pro-
fessor turned kindly round " Have you come
once more to look after me? After what has
passed, l hardly expected that; but you are a
true-hearted girl, and now, as always, heartily
welcome"
~ do not understand you uncle" said Rosa,
in astonishment. "Why should | not come
bere?"
ooh! | only thought that since your father
had written me that letter, yesterday morning,
which tharr with INV raplv ba y,roho III L.,
showed you, you might possibly feel obliged to
do the same girls usually do on such occa-
sions."
Neither regarding his own letter, nor uncle's
either, has he mentioned single word to me-"
replied Rosa. Since Yesterday morning, papa
has been seriously i'll, and / believe that he
could not have occupied himself with any other
matters than those which were most pressing"
"Well, then, sit down, my DEAR" continued
the Professor, Sand then you shall read the let
ter yourself, which your father wrote me yester-
day morning. Look, there it is upon the table.
l will tell you the rest afterwards"
With no little tremor and anxiety, Rosa took
a match, lighted the wax candle, and, by its
dim light, read the following lines
" Highly respected friend and brother:
g L have already, for some time, been pur-
posing to put the friendly inquiry to my good
brother, whether it is his intention either to
settle sum of ready money, or to make over,
IN land, TO his nephew, what he will see is ALSO
lutely necessary, if an alliance with my daugh-
ter is to take place; for, though trust to be
able to give Rosa fitting fortune, it will not
be sufficient, by great deal, for them to live
upon, as the Captain has far more considerable
debts than my good brother is aware of, and
which must naturally be paid before thinking
of anything else. l am very far from wishing
you to look upon this as a demand; my good
brother will dispose as he thinks right of his
own property; only this much | wish to say,
that in case you should consider this PROPOSE
ton unreasonable, and do not feel inclined to
necessity-much as l should have rejoiced to
have entered into nearer connection with
you-to break off the engagement between the
Captain and my daughter for my good brother
must clearly see, that it would be only source
of misfortune to the young people, allowing
them to marry without any settled prospect of
an income. | felt more inclined to apply my
self directly to you upon this subject, as / have
already frequently spoken to Captain Ferdinand
about it, and he has probably not given him.
self the trouble to bring the matter to your at
tention. 1t therefore becomes my duty to do So
and / must also add, that the betrothal would
never have been made public, or. rather, would
never have taken place at all, had for instant
doubted that my old friend would have with
pleasure contributed his share towards setting
up the young people. Hoping for an early re-
ply, i have the honor to remain my good
brothers most obedient servant,
"PErER WIDEN"
Remainder of Chap. xiv next week.