The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25

am to get to keep us both? A couple of days
ago spoke to Mr.. Widen and begged him to
fix the wedding day; and really was in hopes
that he would have said something sensible
about the marriage portion-house, furniture,
and such like desirable things, but not word
of the merely said, It would be quite soon
enough to fix the wedding day, when my noble
uncle had expressed his opinion and intentions
upon the subject"
How, what?" exclaimed the Professor.
angrily, IL am to state my intentions Is
the man mad? But that is just what say !;
the whole family, with the exception of Rosa,
is not worth copper. This won't do, Ferdi-
nand, boy! not a silver will give you. No !;
property in this manner. Why, if l myself
had sought the girl for you, it might be posi-
bic; but now, when neither one party nor the
other has even thought fit to look about them
hrst but have rushed headlong into position
out OF which they cannot find the way, it is
nice time to wait for what have to say. l
will have all fair, however; so will write the
| merchant, that if the marriage is to depend upon
| my forwarding it, by bestowing my property,
he is waiting and expecting in vain for, that
have made up my mind to do nothing more
for you, whatever, beyond the sum paid for your
promotion"
Ferdinand turned pale with grief and vexa.
ton; he saw the necessity of controlling his
| feelings, however, and, with forced compo-
sure, replied, Every well, uncle; then destroy,
if you will, the last CLEAN of hope that remains
for mel will not attempt to deny ito re-
establish my completely ruined pecuniary pros.
poets. Insult, repulse, if you will, the family
which has treated me with so much kindness.
Your wish will doubtless be accomplished for
If you write in such manner, it must be the
breaking off of the contract; and how deeply
will the charming Rosa feel hurt at our beha-
| viour. However, will not attempt to dissuade
you from your purpose. Act as you think best ;
but, remember, l warn you that it is my last
hope"
"Hope," repeated the Professor, contemptu-
| ously, yet his tone showed he was in some
measure softened. Hope it is but a poor
hope, at the best; and fear, my dear Ferdi-
nand, that your affairs will not gain much by
it. If you really loved the girl, it would be
| quite another thing; but this is not the case.
You have told me, yourself, that you desired to
marry the girl, merely for the sake of for
tune and, in this case, l should advise you
not to be in great hurry for the wedding.
True, | had intended to make Rosa small
present on her wedding day; but this was only
because | love the girl. 1t would never come
into your hands, for it never entered my head
| to throw away anything upon your creditors.
You must manage to satisfy them yourself. For
Rosa have great regard and as long as
have a bit of bread, she shall share it with me
but never will give decided portion to you.
Aside from that it is my sincere wish that this
marriage should never take place. She is far
| too good for such a goose as you. She is a
pearl whose price you can neither understand
nor appreciate"
This speech of the Professors alternately
scared and soothed the economical wounds OF
Ferdinand's heart; at all events, it was more
than he ventured to hope. He gratefully
pressed his uncle's hand, and earnestly entreat-
ed him to
"Say nothing to the merchant until he
speaks himself. Promise me this, uncle. Let
US, at least, enjoy Christmas"
$50 be it," said the old man, who had quite
recovered his composure; but, at the first hint
from the merchant or his wife, l shall speak
out at once, without, however mentioning a
word of what have confded to you, regarding
my intended wedding present; for that is a
voluntary pledge of my good will to Rosa, and
is to be entirely left out of the calculation"
With a heart much lightened, Ferdinand left
the Professor, to drown all his disagreeable
thoughts with some pleasant companions, in a
steaming bowl of punch, which one of them
had lost in wager, and which they were now
about to empty, like faithful comrades as they
were, together.