The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-08-30
CHAP. /.
The BetrothaL Festival.

narlors. and a group of spectators, who had
gathered in the portico of the opposite house,
o,,,lJ mainly see the figures of the dancers as
thew glided through the mazes of the waltz.
Elegantly. attired gentlemen and deliberately
dressed ladies fitted through the apartments,
waving their perfumed handkerchief, and laugh
inc and talking merrily. /
"Wen," said gossipping old dame, who
stood in the portico, I" wonder why the mer-
chant gives party now, when Christmas is so
near at hand ;"
30. YOU never can comprehend anything"
r.plied her neighbor. Haven't you heard that |
dis party is given in honor of the betrothal of
he merchants daughter and Captain Ling q?
See there is the Captain, talking with that young
laly in blue Her name is Hilda Borgenskold; |
she is his cousin, and it is said that he was des-
reratey in love with her. But her poor father
allowed himself to be cheated by old Brocher,
and then his halfbrother, Professor Ling quar-
relied with him, and that put an end to the Cap
tains love. He was entirely dependent upon his
uncle, the rich professor; and, as she was as poor
IS himself, he at once gave up all thoughts of
marrying her. But he did not take it much to
hear, for he Immediately commenced paying
Bis addresses to Rosa, the rich merchants
daughter, and the acceptance and the betrothal
followed each other closely. 0, this is a strange
world Just look at Miss Hilda she looks as
proud and beautiful as ever; but she must be I'M
happy, for it is no pleasant thing to be sighted
because one has nothing but pretty face.
Shame upon the men of the present agel Has
she money? That is always their first question,
when they think of matrimony. See, neighbor
Brtta, how sadly he looks at her. 0, | am sure
the Captain is deceiver. There, now he is
slipping to the further end of the room, to cozen
bis beautiful Rosa. All, she is an angel; wish
you could see her. Come up here; this is a
better place.
While Mistress Britta was endeavoring to
obey her friends command, hustle arose in
the street, and carriage rolled up in front of
the merchants door. The driver sprang from
lis box, opened the door, and respectfully as
sted an old gentleman to alight from the We
Licle Both master and man resembled a
brace Of we'll preserved specimens of antiquity,
al least as far as their outward appearance was
dress and strange in department.. Assisted by
his servant, the old gentleman slowly assembled
the steps of the house; and no sooner was he
discovered by a lively waiting maid who had
been watching at the window, than she flew up
stars to announce his arrival. He must have
been an honored and expected guest, for soon
he was greeted by the young Captain and his
charming betrothed, Rosa Widen.
80, how glad / am that you have come, Pro-
lessor Ling" exclaimed Rosa, her eyes spark
ing, and her cheeks glowing with animation.
81 was afraid you would disappoint us, you are
80 fond Of remaining at home"
:" For my part" added the Captain, politely,
Il must say l consider this visit the highest
compliment | could receive"
Hem, hem," said the Professor, while a sar-
castle smile played over his thin lips; I" l must
confess, Ferdinand, that your words do not
ease me. At least, until this morning there
WIS something which you considered of more
value"
Ferdinand blushed deeply, and his eyes
g.)wed; but he remained silent, and turned
aide as Rosa glanced at.him with an express
son Of surprise.
swell, we will say no more about j" added
ihe Professor, in a gentle tone, as he kissed
Rosa, and extended his hand to Ferdinand. Z"
Congratulate you, children, or, rather, | wish
YOU all Joy" He would have spoken further
bat. the abrupt entrance of Rosa's father inter
rulred him. Mr.. Widen was a tall, broad
shGllered man. His lips even wore a self
eomplacent smile, and his whole bearing wal
PuPOus and arrogant. No close observes
col!i look at him without being convinced tina
ne vas man whose name was all poten
among merchants, and whose finances were IL
NE most hourishing condition.
am very happy to see you; this is JOY
ill surprise for it is so late that was fearfu
YOU had concluded to remain with some of m
Oh et absent guests"
am glad that you are pleased at my com
ny replied the Professor, and again the SAL
"9ue smile curled his lips. II felt obliged +
g ne: ihat might give the young people m
bC ssng."
Right, right; young people who think @
IL image, nowadays, stand in need of ric
a. bountiful blessings" said Mr.. Widen, wit
a. ar Of Importance, which gradually passe
~ o iacetious grin, as he whispered to tn
II Tessor, "A man with large family, Gk
n! self, cannot act quite so independently
~ "a cases as an old bachelor uncle, believe
'y ms nephews and nieces."
An, said the Professor, bowling deepl
- you so pressingly invited me to attend tn
nEai only to sound me, why ,"
" my dear sir, you must not take my hit
j he so seriously. OF course, this is not Il
ace to talk of such things" With the'
Sfds, the host drew his guest into the pario
here the Professor was received by the me
ANTS wife with one of her most gracio'
ales, while she insisted that he should {
lTn near her upon her favorite sofa.
IN the mean time, the Captain and Rosa I
a'ned behind in the dressingroom Fert
Ia,d conducted his betrothed to the windo
AZ, While they are conversing in half-aut
ie zone of voice, we will steal a few momen
CeSerbe their personal appearance.
Nap'aln Ferdinand Ling was neither tall n
iort; his form was not especially elegant, b
lefe was certain air in his carriage and in
1eportment, which lent to his person more di
l'y than nature had bestowed upon it. E
ounIenance, although not strikingly har
!Ie' was fresh and pleasant in its expressic
~ ms lips even wore a smile. But at tim
ih' almost sinister, expression would gles
T.i ms flashing black eyes, and warrant t
:Nel mat the smile was on his lips alone, VIII
- !: Aeart, perhaps, was filed with evil and strJ
ing passions. On such occasions, his G
Sud droop beneath the firm and steady ga
another. AS for the rest, Ferdinand Ii
a a man of the world; he was invited to
ATues, and was deemed valuable member
IOHaoie society.
ho;a Widen was tall and graceful, f
oIP,exioned maiden, of faultless form and
Ho"'edged beauty. But, to all appearance
was unconscious of her beauty and
@ amiable, and unaffected disposition, r
cred her the favorite of all.
a, DO not need these assurances" said Re
o'uy as she placed her hand over Ferdinan
hterrupdng him in an eloquent outbr
VOWS and protestations. "0f what cart