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

onu III cAHnot reSponu 10 your passionate ar l
dor, which resembles more the impetuosity of
a desolating tempest, than the mild inspiration
of calm and sincere affection, ascribe it to my
disposition, and not to my heart"
The Captains cheeks flushed crimson, and
he twisted his moustache vigorously, while his
compressed lips proved that his emotions were
both violent and disagreeable.
"My dear Rosa," said he, with forced com
posure, you must pardon me if my feelings do
not allow me to express myself as you would
wish but be assured that shall endeavor ear
nestly to gain the point on which you stand,
although you have guarded II with barrier Of
ice, with which you may cool the ardor of your
love when it becomes too much heated"
Rosa was surprised and displeased at the
Captains words; her cheeks mantled with a
blush of vexaton and her hand trembled, as,
with an air which appeared to apologize for his
last expression, Ferdinand conducted her into
the parlor.
Shall we waltz ?" he inquired, as they
gazed upon the animated and happy dancers.
/" Ny kind Rosa" he continued, "please, do
not be angry with me-"
No, Ferdinand, am not angry; butt
But is an abominable word" interrupted
Ferdinand, gaily; "Come, let US join them.'
And, placing his arm around her waist, he drew
her into the circle of merry dancers.
In one corner of the parlor, silent and alone,
stood young man of tall and slender figure;
his features were noble and beautiful, his fore
head high and white, and, as he stood, leaning
against a small marble table, his dark, thought
full eve wandered over the animated scene be-
fore him, ever and anon sparkling with sud-
den ardor, as they fell upon some distant OBJ
ject in the parior. At other times, his look was
gentle and pure and as frank and open as the
day. He was clothed in threadbare suit OF
black, and his dress, as well his whole APP
pearance, bespoke that he belonged to that
class of talented young men, who, though OPP
pressed by poverty and care, slowly wend their
way to the Temple of knowledge. Frank
Mannersted was student, who betrayed his
college expenses by teaching the languages and
music. AS the tutor Of the wealthy merchants
children, he was honored by an invitation to
/ the betrothal festival. Frank had but one am
bition; and that was, to graduate with honor,
and then to rise to the position OF rector IN
some large school, or perhaps to receive pas
torship in some quiet country parish.
While Frank was thus standing, his mind
roamed far from the animated scene on which
he gazed; and when the merchant, who CHANGED
to observe him, advanced, and slapped him on
the shoulder, the young man started, as II ava
kened from a dream.
swell, my good Mannersted," said MIR. WI
den, with a patronizing air and a gracious
smile, "why do you not dance 3? 1t is not often,
you know, that you have an opportunity. Come,
man, shake off little of your book dust"
Frank excused himself by stating that he
had renowned dancing for more than year /;
but the true raason was, his desire to avoid ex-
posing his meager and threadbare clothing to
the criticisms of the bystanders, who undoubt-
eddy would laugh at his short pantaloons and
ill-ftting coat but he could not oppose the
wishes of the wealthy merchant, especially as
he received weekly wages from him, and was
invited to dine at his house regularly every
Sunday.
You must dance, my friend" continued
Mr.. Widen, in a gentle tone, but with an en-
phasis which proved that he would listen to no
excuses. Manuersted had the audacity to urge
fresh objection but the great man, with a
condescending bow, and polite gesture of dis
sent, quickly called his daughter, who had just
concluded a waltz with her betrothed. With a
smiling countenance, Rosa approached her IA
Their, who Immediately inquired, "When will
you be disengaged?"
Rosa reflected for moment "At the nth
waltz, papa"
"Good," replied Widen. "Mr. Mannersted
will engage you for that waltz" And the AFRO
giant merchant passed on, without deigning to
notice Franks burning cheeks and downcast
eyes. Rosa awaited his confirmation OF her
fathers last words but he was so confused
that he could not utter a syllable. His pride
had been insulted by the interference of the
) merchant and the fear of offending one to
whom he was greatly indebted, the thought o.
J the ridicule which his appearance would excite
and, lastly, the most powerful sensation OF all
the Joy, the rapture, of dancing with Rosa, be
wildered his mind to such an extent, that ht
could not recover his usual composure without
powerful effort. Rosa sympathized with the
unfortunate young man, and, understanding
the true state of affairs, determined to relieve
;, him from his embarrassment.
: "Papa" said she, gently, "wishes ever,
/ one to be happy tonight, and perhaps he doe
+ not sufficiently regard the tastes and desires o
s his guests; but it all results from his anxiet
r for their amusement. l hope it is not contrar
It to your inclinations to dance
1t Frank glanced at Rosa, with an expression
n which must have been more than grateful, 70
the warm blood suffused her cheeks, and he
2 eyes sought the floor.
IL "If Miss Widen will honor me with ne
y hand for waltz, my scruples will vanish
once. At the proper time / shall have tn
Il honor of presenting myself"
r He bowed deeply. Rosa smiled, and has
20 ened to the other side of the room. Frank r
y sumed his original position, and his quick ey
observed that Rosa had scarcely seated hersel
Of ere she was surrounded by crowd of gallant
h who endeavored to outvie each other in the
n attentions and civilities. In the mean tim
ID Captain Ling claims our attention. He hs
he anxiously watched for an opportunity to addre
re Hilda Borgenskold; but it was not until aft
IN many innocent little stratagems and movement
cd hither and thither, that he finally, as if acc
dentally, contrived to reach the seat she occ
y pied. A gentleman, who was sitting by her sid
us suddenly arose, unconscious of his own ma
i, nanimity, and Ferdinand quickly took posse
lie sion of the vacant place.
ne Hilda was pale, yet she was beautiful Fe
sc dinand's movements had much embarrassed he
or, and, as if to escape the tolls of her enemy 81
er- gazed steadfastly towards the further extremi
us of the room. She vainly searched for son
SIT valid pretence to cross to the other side, but
number OF young gentlemen had planted thel
re- selves near the centre of the apartment, al
d. she was compelled reluctantly to submit to b
w, fate.
d. dearest Hilda," whispered Ferdinand, "w
ats did you deny me an interview? Why, ,ohy d
you return my letter unopened2 o, Hilda, h
Tor you not been so cruel, we might have been ha
,ut DIV. This very morning l would have spoken
his my uncle; but what could l do, when you b
ig- denied me all hope?"
lis Ferdinand" said Hilda, coldly, at is
nd delicate fer you to resume threadbare subj,
on, on an occasion like the present. You are wa
es, ing too many words on the matter. Pray
am spect my feelings, and leave me-"
the go God, Hilda, how bitter you arel" s.
Tile Ferdinand, signing deeply. "Do you belle
ug- that have kept the roses while you retain
eye thorns? O, no; believe me, they rankle will