The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1855-02-17

accident He had the appearance of having
long become reconciled TO his infirmity, like
soldier who considers bis wounds glor.
GUS evidence of his devotion TO his country.
! had more than once felt tempted to ask
Nautilus the history of his lameness but he
eluded with so much care every approach
TO the subject, that deemed myself obliged
to respect his secret.
Two months passed thus, and had op-
portunity of appreciating all the right-mind-
edness, generosity, and enlightenment that
dwelt in the accessible part of that extraor-
dinaiy soul. In presence Of this dangerous
rival who triumphed without struggle, the
baron became almost tender. His self.love
cruelty suffered TO see preferred to him a lame
merchant with fine voice. He sometimes
attempted to quiet hin. but Nautilus cor
founded him so completely by the ap,n4ss of
his retorts that the daughters were n.ver on
the side Of the baron.
One night that the family party was :
sembled, Werter approa ached MIR. Muller.
with suppliant air, and delivered TO him "A
letter from his father. The poor young
mans agitation made me suspect that tn:
letter contained proposal. Mr. Muller
read 1t with attention and handed it 10 his
wife, who rapidly glanced over it and cast
,scrutinizing glance at her daughter, TO make
sure whether or no she was forewarned of
this step. A mothers pride is always fat
tered under such circumstances and the frs.
impulse is generally favorable to the man
who has singled out the object of his dear
est aft ctions but the second thought is one
of prudence separation, the many risks
of the future, soon check the instructive
satisfaction of the maternal heart, and q
thousand motives concur to arrest the desired
consent.
at were WE'LL" she said, " first TO know
what Ellen thinks"
The words were like q ray of light to the
poor girl, whose countenance expressed the
utmost surprise.
" Besides, he is very young" added Mrs
Muller, loud enough for the baron to hear.
Werter's position was painful he SIAM
me red few words, became embarrassed, and
abruptly left tn, room.
"A mere child said the baron, "who
should be sent back TO his books
Mdlthus, who had observed all that had
passed, rested his two hands on his stick.
like man disposed to argue the point, and
warmly dsfnded the student.
1T cannot be denied" he said in conclu-
sion. that the young mans choice pleads
in his favor and his embarrassment, which
at that age is not unbeComing proves in my
opinion, tnat, whist aspiring 10 so great
happiness, he has sufficient modesty TO admi.
himself unworthy OF it,"
" II a declaration were sufficient proof
of merit" interrupted the counsellor, al
know one man who would not hesitate
And who is that ?" inquired Mrs. Muller,
with ill-concealed curiosity.
myself, madam" replied the counsellor
" Baron Won Noih.'
BY the way in which this was spoken, the
dissyllabe myself" appeared heightened
by all the importance Of the parsonage.
" At my age men do not change contin-
ued the baron; and the present is suran-
antee for the future
Ellen was really to be pitied. When
Mblthus took Werter's part, saw that she
was on the point Of fainting. Her counter
ance, naturally so gentle, was ovrrshadowed
by an expression Of vexation and dSpeas-
ure. She had taken the Jews b'p"volent
defence Of tl- student for mark Of indifftr-
ence. Whilst still under the influence Of
this painful impression, the Baron'S declara-
ton came TO add to her agitation she cast
a reproachful glance at Malthus, sank back
in her chair. and swooned away. The Jew
sprang forward took her in his arms, laid
her on a sofa, and kneft down besi lie her.
"You have not understood me, thenF he
exclaimed.