The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-11

The CAPTAIN and the Music Master.
Some days after the betrothal ball, Ross
was one forenoon sitting at the drawing-roon
window. working a collar. Captain Ling wa.
standing in an attitude of careless grace beside
her. amusing himself by twisting her threat
oroupd his finger, whilst he watched his silent
industrious bride, whose eyes never left hel
work. except occasionally to cast glance a
the clock. The captain was not quite sur,
whether this was hint for him to bring his visi
to an end or not; but it was not yet twelve, ant
wanted some hours to-the time when he was II
meet party of friends at dinner; so he seatet
himself remarking at the same time that the
dsy was remarkably fine for the season.
..Yes, for December, it is very warm ant
bright: and so much the better for me" replied
Rosa. showing him her work, which was to be
3 Christmas present for her mother.
.Wen. them" continued the Captain, as the
weather pleases you SO much, we might enjoy
an airing, either on foot or in the sleigh, as you
prefer
Neither thank you, my dear Ferdinand.
Nv head aches badly; l will not go out to-day
and besides, have no time"
1.-The flowers there" suggested the Captain,
with glance at the work, twill bloom all the
brighter afterward; and if you are not well, so
much the more reason why you should 60 out
and breathe the fresh air little. Let me per.
saade you, dear Rosa; it would give me inf
mite pleasure to be seen for the first time in pub.
lie With my beautiful BRIDE"
at is pleasure which you will so often en-.
joy in future, that it is not really worth making
such a parade about But pray forgive me,
dear Ferdinand, if persist in refusing-I real
ly cannot walk to-day"
$50 perceive" said the Captain, rising and
walking thoughtfully up and down the room.
Rosa sat still, while her little white fingers flew
over her work with desperate industry, and her
looks constantly wandered to the hand of the
clock and her color heightened as it approach
ed the hour of twelve.
The Captain noticed her uneasiness, and,
convinced that she wished him to leave, resolv.
ed to stay where he was, in spite of her and
tending to 90 to sleep.
Immediately afterwards, the sons of the mer-
chant, two lively boys, came rushing into the
room. One Of them carried music-stand, the
other quantity Of music and two violins.
AHA, you monkeys" said Ferdinand, with
smile, so you are going to try our ears for
us, Ell? As far as | can see, that appears to
be your intention"
fha 4
IS at liberty to 90 away" saucily replied the
chief
AYE, indeed! You are polite boy" said
the Captain II should just like to give you
certain little lessons daily, substituting my cane
for the fddle-stick."
The boy colored, and was on the point oil
making saucy reply, but severe and serious
look from Rosa, who was more beloved by the
BOYS than even mamma herself, made him hold
his tongue He therefore silently arranged the
music, and Ferdinand continued:
IF you, Rosa, can listen to their concert, /
suppose | can manage to endure it Also"
AS far as | am concerned said Rosa, with
a smile, | assure you | bear it with great
pleasure. | have watched the boys progress
from the commencement; and, as they both
have taste for music, and clever master, the
time has long gone by when listening would be
penance, even to a correct musical ear.
Rosa spoke without any embarrassment; and
as she saw that the Captain was determined to
remain, she was selfpossessed enough to allow
no sign of discomfort to be apparent.
That young student who waltzed with you
on the evening of our betrothal is their Apollo
is he nOt?' asked Captain Ling.
Yes Mr.. Mannerstedt," she replied, in a
very Indifferent tone.
a very pretty fellow he is, too" observed
lang. GOOD appearance figure and bear
ing which would do honor to soldier-but q
poor devil, to Judge from his toilet. really
iet sorry for the lad. 1t was COMPOUNDED pity
that, with such good figure, he had not 8
bet'-
Be quiet Ferdinand" whispered Rosa, in
terrupting him, as she passed her handkerchie
over her glowing cheeks.
The door at the lower end of the apartment
opened, and Frank Mannerstedt entered, cal
IN hand, and made his bow. Rosa arose, ant
eoarteously returned his greeting the Captain
nan reclining on the sofa, made a careless
good -natured nod; and the boys diligently ros
med their bows, and stood bolt upright, ready
to begin.
When Mannerstedt had laid aside his cap, h,
turned partly to the music-stand, and faced thu
boys, so as to turn his back upon the Captain
Ills position, however, did not prevent Ros.
rom observing the cloud which overshadowet
ms features, and that he was somewhat palel
'han usual, which, after the crimson flush which
anger or some other feeling had called into hi
eneeks had passed away, was more than com
monty striking.
The lesson had commenced The Captain
never accustomed to any restraint, continues
70 70 address to Rosa all sorts of trihing remarks
ner answers, however, were very short; An
she seemed to be so much interested in tn
music, that Ferdinand soon became weary, AND
arising, he took his hat, and whispered
Rosa, good bye, my angel. really cannc
s'and this any longer. l shall see you sgai
IN the evening"
lie then took his departure, thinking, as b
went
Rosa really has a most inconceivable veal
ness Tor rude boys"
After the Captain had softly closed the doc
behind him, Rosa felt as if weight had falle
rom her heart. She breathed more freely, fl
sne ielt, and ventured to own it to herself, tn.
nothing could be more disagreeable than, at th'
ume, the only really happy moments she ev'
:JV9eu, 10 nave the captain as a nth perso
IN the party. She could not help feeling tn.
!, ne was not only superHuous, but intrusive; f
'he careless freedom of his manner could b.
cause Mannerstedt to feel hurt in more wal
than one.
The hour was soon at an end, and Name
e,edt took his cap from the table, where he hs
paced 1t, without turning round, for he
neved that Captain Ling was still there, ar
therefore stopped half way in the stiff, form
oow he was upon the point of making, as
,nanced to look up, and saw the sofa vacan
a hasty glance through the room assured hi
mat his rival-whom he certainly did net love-
nad departed but his looks fell hurriedly
tne ground again, and, as he stood in some er
oarrassment, the boys carried the music-star
away. After they had closed the door, he st
S'ood IN the same posture in the middle of Il
aoom, irresoute whether to remain as usus
OF to 60 at once.