The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-04
VOL. TX.

compelled TO take q situation, and in this way
he passed four years. As he was quite tired
of being tutor, the income being so very small
that he could not continue his studies, he de-
termined, at the persuasion of Mr.. Liver, to
settle for half, or perhaps whole year, in the
same town where he now was, and where the
Counsellor had numerous acquaintance, who
had assured him that a master of languages
and music would be a most welcome guest
among them.
At least" said Frank to himself, I" at least,
L can manage to earn money enough to take
me to Lund in the spring, and there, with Gods
help, will remain until / have finished my
course"
He went. Counsellor Liver had already
written letters, to form some few connections
for him, so that he found employment at once.
AS it was necessary for him to be very eco
nomical, he hired the little garnet where we
now find him, and purchased daily a frugal din
ner which was often obliged to serve for his
breakfast and supper also.
The recommendation of Mr.. Liver, as we'll
as his own tall and handsome figure, together
with his agreeable manners, procured him an
introduction to several families, to whom he
was soon engaged as a teacher of music; but
as these were not sufficient to employ all his
time, he found himself compelled to negotiate
with his pride, and wait upon the principal fami-
lies in the town, and offer his services. Oh
he felt this to be the weariest walk he had ever
taken in his life! He commenced with the
Burgomaster B, who unfortunately had a
party at his house that same evening. Frank
assembled the steps, and inquired for the Bur-
gomaster of the girl who admitted him. She
either believed him to be an invited guest, or
was mischievous enough to wish to embarrass
the "poor musician" as he was mockingly
called, sometimes, for she merely replied
4" In there" pointing to the hall door.
AS the guests had assembled in an apart
ment beyond the hall, no one heard Manner
stedt's knock and after some hesitation, he
ventured to enter There was not living
soul in the hall, with the exception of
couple Of little girls, five or six years old, who
were looking at some artificial fruit, wishing,
no doubt, that it were good to eat. AS Frank
entered, the little things turned round, ran up
to him with friendly greetings, as their NAM
ma had taught them to receive ali visiters, and
then offered to conduct him TO the company.
"Come along, come with us, said the little
rogues.
Mannerstedt who heard voices in the adioin-
ing apartment, would have retired; but the
children so pressingly entreated him 10 go with
them to papa and mamma, who would be an
cry else, and think that Bertha and Hilda had
been rude, since the strange gentleman had
gone away, that he could not resist the little
innocent beings who whispered hope and COM
fort to his heart; and fancying he might meet
kind reception, he followed them. They,
however, caught each hand and tripping be-
side him, they threw open the slightly-closed
| folding doors leading to the drawing room, and
| he suddenly stood in the midst of a large
semblage of ladies and gentlemen. The little
ones would have induced him to proceed, but
he quickly released himself from their grasp,
and, bowling deeply, stood with burning blush
upon his cheeks, dismayed and confused, at
finding himself such an intruder. The Burgo-
masters wife beckoned the children to her side,
and whispered something in their ears, to
which one replied
81 But mamma, you told us to do so to every
one."
Their mother shook her head, and said to
her neighbor-" Oh, how simple children are
it really does need more than human patience,
not to be angry with their mistakes. My dear
Madame NJ, who is the MANI"
| Meanwhile, the Burgomaster, a round little
man, with most respectable corporation, and
a wig to match, had approached Frank, who,
hat in hand, stood a few PAGES from the door,
waiting the pleasure of the city officer, who,
with his glass at his eyes, slowly advanced.
"Who are you, my friend?" asked he, who
business? ?"
Mannerstedt's heart beat so violently, that
he felt almost as if his bosom would burst; and
his cheeks and forehead were scarlet as he re-
piled
any name is Frank Mannerstedt, as my
passport shows, which l delivered on my arr.
val in town. My business is to inquire if the
Burgomaster required teacher in music, Ian
guages, or drawing, for his children"
aye, indeed-yes, yes, Mr.. Mannerstedt, so
it $50 it is. | recollect, now" said the little
great man, signing 20 a servant to place chair
for the stranger, which, however, Frank de-
clined.
"Ah, yes" continued the Burgomaster care
lessly seating himself near the window, +" and
so that is your business. Well, the time is not
exactly suited for making arrangements of this
sort but you can come tomorrow, at precise
ly half past one, shall then have leisure
hour before dinner"
| Mannerstedt bowed in silence, and took his de-
parture. What were the feelings which ragged
within his bosom, as he returned home to his gar.
ret. Mannerstedt had actually but one falling
and perhaps, in his situation, that was pardona-
ble-he was extremely proud. He resisted this
feeling as much as possible, but it would not be
overcome; and this evening in particular, as
he sat alone-so entirely alone-his arms fold.
ed across his breast, and his eyes fixed thought
fully upon the floor, absorbed in the deep actu-
ality of his forlorn position-this pride spoke
loudly within his heart and placed before his
mental eye the scene with the Burgomaster,
and the remarks which would be made after
his departure
" will not 60 tomorrow; no, will go there
no more" said pride, who always leads the de-
bate on such occasions
lie argued a long time with himself before
the victory over pride was gained, and on the
next morning the agreement was concluded
with the Burgomaster. He thereby gained two
polnts-an increase to his small funds, and an
opportunity of exercising self-control.
Mannerstedts second visit was to the mer-
chant Widen. We have already been made
acquainted with the issue. Here also would
ne have passed many bitter hour, had not
hosa,s gracious smile and friendly bearing
IN winch there was always something so kind,
so delicate, and sympathizing -sweetened, and
made them the happiest in his life, especially
since the occurrence of which we have read
in Rosa's diary.
Mannerstedt was far from surmisinp that he
had anything to do with the mishanohe was
far too modest for that-and would have regard.
ed it as great absurdity, had such an idea even
been thought of. Rosa, nearly always, sat in
the room with her work when the lessons were
given; therefore, every day brought him the
pleasure of seeing her whom he, in his secret
soul, adored.
Frank usually remained short time after
the hour had expired, and ventured, as he sat
opposite her, or stood near the stove, to clothe
the rich poetical images which dwelt in his
heart, and the subjects of which lay neither
within the circles Of nature or art, in visible
and tangible form; and after such moments,