The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-11-29


tinued all his lessons. We are very sorry for
1t, not alone because he is an irreparable loss
TO the children, but because in the poor, mod
est young man, we shall also lose kind aud
agreeable companion"
The Burgomaster only shrugged his shout
ders, and replied, CONTEMPORARY, regret it,
really" and the skirmish ceased. While this
was taking place, Mr.. Garben had approached
Rosa, who, as she was collecting and arranging
Ter work, was listening with a delighted atten,
ton to her mothers defence of one SO near
her heart.
:" have reason to congratulate myself, not
only upon my audac;ty, but upon the correct
ness or my anticipations," said the Danish
merchant, sitting down beside Rosa; "Miss
Widen has improved her talent to a rare de-
gree, beyond that point where one practices
merely tor amusement" and he gave her kind
and thankful look
Mr. GARDEN is very polite" said Rosa, smi-
ling besides, one never knows what advan-
tagc our talents may be to us or, rather,
whether we may not be at some time able to
use them to better purpose than that of mere
amusement"
Garben was about to reply, when Mr.. Widen
came up to him, and announced that the card
table was waiting .Or him ; whereupon he rose,
and with courteous bow left the charming d.
vinity of the house.
1t was past two o'clock when the party broke
up, and their guest appeared cheerful and
contented when he took leave-indeed, so much
so, that Mr.. Widen actually anticipated a ques-
ton which was lowering upon his lips, by say
ing to him
Tomorrow, early, will have the pleasure
of waiting On Mr.. Garben, and fetching him
over-to breakfast" added he, as his guest
was already in the street.
When they had all departed, and the master Of
the house, who, after such severe exertions for
many hours, really needed little repOse, took
his light, to 60 into his bedroom, Rosa caught
his hand, and, while they were alone, she profit
ed by the opportunity, and humby and ear
nestly begged her father, whatever might be
the position of his affairs, rather to trust to the
strangers honorable feeling than-than-she
hesitated-stopped. She could not venture to
say all she thought, but her fearful eye, turned
upon his face, expressed more than words
could do.
ethan dazzle and deceive him by false APP
pearances." said her father, finishing the SEN
tence for her. "Belieye me, however, my dear
girl, you do not understand these things, posi-
lively you do not and must not attempt to
teach me what l ought to do; therefore, Just
simply do as l have told you, and everything
may yet end well-aye, right well, my love-"
"Oh, papa dearest papa" implored Rosa,
and shook her head with sad incredulity, this
once | really cannot obey you. l neither can
nor will seek to please any man, as matter of
| calculation"
with or without calculation" replied her
1 father, impatien.ly, lit is the same thing, so
you do it. And now we will say no more about
it-so, good night, my child :" he kissed her
forehead, and closed the door.
! The next morning, as Mr.. GARDEN was sitting
| in his room, enjoying his pipe and coffee, to
his great delight. Mr.. Widen was announced.
| After some preliminary politeness on Mr.. Gar
ben's part, with reference to the pleasure he
had experienced the previous evening, he in
CURED after the ladies' health. The Merchant
thanked him, and begged him to come and
Judge for himself.
Il fear that will be impossible, or else our
business will all come to nothing to-day" said
Mr.. Garben.
"Eh, what we have the whole day before
u.s." said his host, I" for / trust you do not
leave before tomorrow"
"Ihat would be rather awkward" said the
other. 81 ought, in fact, to be half way this
evening, for | must positively be there on a
certain day; but hope / may do it, even if
start tomorrow morning, early"
"How long does Mr.. Garhen purpose re-
naming in Stockholm" asked Mr.. Widen.
AT most week, and on ray return we can
look through what we shall be unable to man.
age to-day. But | should rather make be-
ginning, and the sooner the better; and there
| fore | would ask of you, as a great favor not
to plague yourself with party, because all that
hinders serious business. And as / cannot
longer delay my journey, l must beg to be ell
| lowed to visit you in your own room, at half
! past ter."
! "Just as Mr.. Garben pleascs. / had thought
of inviting few friends to dinner, bat we can
put that off until you return. Business first,
and pleasure afterwards; and so, adieu, until
| half past ten, when all shall be ready. How
ever, perhaps you VIII first take some breakfast
with my family, and after that we shall be quite
undisturbed."
Mr.. Garben would have excused himself, but
at last gave his consent, and Mr.. Widen bowed
and took his leave.
AS soon as the perplexed Merchant got home,
| he gave his wife look, as a sign to follow him
into the next room. She anticipated nothing
! good, for she saw that his knees trembled; and
after they had seated themselves in deep silence,
Mr.. Widen commenced, in hollow voice
"Do not think about a dinner-it will not
do. He is to be here punctually, at half past
ten, and all objections, evasions, invitations,
would lead to nothing. ! therefore embraced
the best possible resolve, under the circumstan-
ces, that of meeting his wishes with as much
composure, firmness, and openness, as could
command. With the greatest difficulty, made
him promise to breakfast with us, and upon
this | build my last hope of efecting a post
popement until his return.'
"But now, in Heavens name, my dear Widen,
what may your plan be?" asked his wife.
"Speak, old man, and let me hear it."
The Merchant bent cautiously towards her;
she put her ear to his lips and then followed
a long, whispering conversation, interrupted by
! halfsuppreSsed EXPLANATIONS from the lady,
who, however, appeared to express satisfaction.
At length, she raised herself, and said, half
frightened, half smiling
"If, my dear Widen, it would only not be too
dangerous"
| "Not in the least" assured her husband. ~
believe, on the contrary, that it will do me much
good; only now go, be cautious, and return
quickly"
Madame Widen went out, entered the sleep
ing-room, bolted the door, and let down the cur
| taias. She then silently and hastily opened
little box in which all sorts of things were kept.
She looked over several packets, in the shape
of powders. The labels were carefully scruti-
nized and then two were quickly taken, and as
rapidly concealed in the folds of her dress; and,
having restored all to its former order, she re-
turned to her husband. The curtains were
here likewise closely drawn. She took out the
concealed packets, and, almos. crying, said
at is too bad, dear Widen Do you really
believe that there is no other help?"
"No; have already told YOU" rejoined her
husband, impatiently; nothing can be done
with the girl until he comes back. The only
thing we can accomplish is to gain time; so
DO not idle it away, Brigitta Marie, but make
haste"