The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-18

Hlda BOrgenSkOtd.
On the evening Of the day on which occur.
rs5 the incidents we have just related, Mrs.
Roryepskold, an elderly and venerable lady,
Va. ,ested upon her little sofa, busted in mend
;,,r ,veT.yorn shawl = h had been her true
c-;e,S and ~ her youthful days.
u jlbs , Gated near table
s.. s--ls Is ndustriously as
a. .pariment was simple,
-:ass ltoogh he whole picture
aTow means.
.aules continued their work some
..e II silence. At length, Hilda arose; the
deepening twilight made it impossible for her
70 continue her writing. She walked up and
down the room several times, whilst her mother
east at her every now and then stolen glance,
and secretly wiped away a falling tear with one
end of her dear old shawl.
Hilda Borgenskold was remarkably hand
some girl, and in addition to this, she had a
GOOD heart. a clear head, and cultivated
mind. but also certain land not inconsidera.
bel degree of pride in these advantages, and
which we're of more worth in her estimation
than those of fortune, which she had rather
contempt for, when unaccompanied by the
former. Beauty, however, she excepted, for
sne had too much nobleness of character to
make that main point Of consideration. For
some years she had accustomed herself both to
love and respect her cousin Ferdinand and,
though he had never formally sought her hand,
she had always, though she scarcely knew why,
regarded him as the person who was to pro-
mote her future happiness-for, thousand
times over, he had assured her that there could
be no happiness for him on earth, in which she
was not to be sharer.
hida believed him, and gave him credit in
heart for the delicacy with which he avoided
earnestly seeking from her a promise of con-
stancy, before be could make her an offer to
share his fate forever. The report which spoke
Of his addresses to Rosa Widen she despised,
as without foundation, and not worth a thought.
All, she should have known him better How
ever, no matter how strongly rooted may be
our hopes, they are not secure against the
storms OF fate. Soon, too soon, came the mo-
ment when Ferdinand, confused and embar-
rsssed, stammered out something about the
necessity Of giving up the hope of possessing
her, as II was impossible for him to see this
long cherished hope realized, because urgent
circumstances which he could not name had
occurred to prevent it.
Hilda heard him through with admirable
iortitade; her pride struggling against the
wounded feelings of her heart, enabled her to
appear composed cold, and determined, and
she graTely but politely wished him happiness
IN The new engagement he had contracted
Then, however, her power of selfcontrol was
exhausted and, briefly bidding him farewell
She ccldly and proudly left the room, and hur
red to her own apartment. Here her feelings
Of sorrow asserted their right, at finding herself
thus sighted and deceived by the man whom
she had loved so fondy and so WELL Full OF
bitterness was the hour which so cruelty de-
sroyed all the delightful dreams of her young
and Joyous heart. As soon, however, as she
tegan to regard the matter in calmer light,
she experienced feeling of contempt for the
weakness and Inconsistency of Ferdinand, whose
@lhshness had led him to seek woman for
BIS wife whom he did not love. He now ap.
Feared TO her a man of no exalted principles
one OF those men who can love to a certain ex-
tent and feel happy if their love meets with no
Obstacles, bat can quite coolly yield to reason
AID circumstances, even should those circum
Stances demand the entire remuneration of love
and fidelity, and deem himself fortunate that no
formal declaration had been made, so that he
can withdraw with outward honor.
That this was the turn Ferdinand's thoughts
had taken, iilda saw plainly enough. For a
long term of years, he had been as devoted to
her as he possibly could be; but, at the least
Obstacles, he was ready to sacrifice his affec.
uon ior her; and, in Hilda's opinion, he be.
zane poor, weak, contemplate being, and, as
S-.a could not be even an object of regret to
ss'' After what had occurred, she would not
I1,e United her fate with his at any price, even
Aal she received the Professors whole estate
Gowry' and his blessing besides; but il
IIe'ed and wounded her, to think she should
nation. -'-'-
=, IN the mean time, Ferdinand could not recon.
o,g himself to the idea of being scorned by the
Vl.s woman ne ever really loved. and, deeply
isIc'lng the errors which had led to all this,
ae RS IeSoiVed to make full confession to Hilda.
mi ic Il 9ae would forgive, he would submit him
- MS late; but she resolutely rejected all
Tpananon, either verbally or in writing.
l;eE "oud she listen to another word from
r rs ups not even from his pen-she would know
.o.lnS about 1t, she would forget and be for.
r. tu' was what she wished, and she was one
w. 1gse characters, so rarely found in woman
~-o 10 not IN their love find thousand ex
g.. Justify the weakness of their lovers
- .ad forever renowned al connection witt
~ lulaand, and she kept her word no tim.
~ cEeumstances were capable of changing
1lna' Where her thoughts were lingering
~, Iu5 slowly paced the room in the twilight
,.u ner hands crossed upon her bosom, W,
-IO Tell. We presume that Ferdinand haC
~ mare therein-for she walked quickly up t.
~a,i Oa' threw her arms about her mother
r. ana SAID, in a joyous tone
IL ~" will do; we shall decidedly get on
So eng expenses, and something over. cal
win o : how happy papa viii be, and
boll eAuiy work by day to manage the house
~ matters, and write mornings and even
Bo-- ana destroy YOURSELF" interrupted Mrs
r.rsn. nsAoid, d" in order to support your poo
IN uS' and bel p them out of their troubles
rT,, NY dear Hilda, it grieves me much that
N your youth pass away so joylessly."
HI 10 not talk so, my dear mother" entreate,
DoI. What enjoyments have l to regret
uS,;s nI already have more than our incom
sf.- res! And you may believe me, mamma, i
abon, nom sacrifice to me to busy mysel
IA rrn oIr travelling expenses; indeed, it give
bss,, Ien delight to be able to do it, for m
bs 80. 'on gs Tor some other place of abode-fo
q country, mean"
She quickly added i
,ovr would Kill me to be obliged TO live i
6. sn another summer; and can never be SUI
bros, ~ grateful for the unexpected source c
d ~ " which my knowledge of French has oper
hes Us 1 think, by means of the translation {
Coz. TWO works, we shall be able not merely I
asn,T Tue expenses of our journey, but to lay b
ai.aI al sum besides, in order to purchase fe
@Iu'ey necessary articles"
Can ana you feel sure, my poor Hilda, that 20