The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-09-06

never J6Steu III Sucn maCJerS. AT length 0S-
| capped from him, and returned home with my
captains commission in my pocket, and head
and heart full of sorrow and trouble. What
was to be done now? You know how much i
| loved my cousin Hilda but my uncle, the Pro-
lessor, was so exasperated against that simple
ton, his halfbrother, her father that he strictly
| forbade me to think of marrying Hilda, .on pen
atty of being disowned and disinherited by him
| self. | knew the old man would keep his word,
| and l was in no pleasant mood, assure you.
| The sky of my happiness was darkened-not
even a single star of hope shone forth to illu-
mine my path Why, then, should l have
struggled against the tide of my destiny?
demolished my air-built castle, and formed a
| desperate resolution-none other than to win
and marry Rosa Widen, the daughter of the
wealthy merchant. Nothing save my forlorn
position could have forced me to such resolu-
ton; but after the news of my promotion reach
ed the ears of my creditors, they harassed me
constantly, and, to save myself from imprison-
| ment, was forced to assign my pay in advance.
But must i've thought l, and l resolved to
marry. l endeavored to assure myself that
Rosa was an agreeable, inteIligelt girl; how
| far succeeded l know not, but now it is too
late for repinings. My greatest consolation,
however, was, the assurance that she would re-
ceive generous dowry from her wealthy
| father. For six long weeks, / labored Jealous
| ly to effect my purpose. / met with no decided
repnlse, neither did | make any decided advan-
| ces. But my time was too precious to be spent
| thus, and / resolved to make home thrust at
Widen himself. So
Gone day, after dinner, I managed to meet the
old gentleman alone, and, after satisfying my
self that he was prepared made my proposal
at once. After a moments reflection, he. com
menced his reply by expressing the hope that
my uncle would be nobly and generously inclin-
ed towards me. He had no doubt but that he
would aid me in setting up an establishment for
myself and future wife; for had he not already
purchased captains commission for me? In
| short, allowed him to proceed without contra.
diction in expressing his belief that man so
undetermined as Professor Ling would not do
things by halves for his excellent nephew. He
concluded by stating that he had long been
aware of my sincere and devoted affection for
his daughter; and that he would grant his con-
sent, providing she advanced no serious objec-
| tons. On the following day called upon Rosa.
Heaven only knows how / found the courage to
| address her so fuently and eloquently. But she
really appeared affected, and told me to come
| the next evening, when she would give me a
decided answer. | went Gustavus, and in the
presence Of her mother she promised me her
hand. Sick at heart, and half stupefed, left
her. l will not attempt to describe nay next in
| terview with Hilda, for, frivolous as am, love
her still, and nothing but the iron hand of me-
cessity enabled me to renounce her. A week
ago, wrote to the misery Jew, informing him
of my approaching marriage, and entreating
him to extend my note for two months from the
date of its expiration, promising him large
sum in addition to the usurious interest he had
DIV oh Rnf ho
| fore went to the celebration of my betrothal,
[ received letter from him which made my
blood boil AT the very day your note is due,
/ shall expect payment. If l am disappointed
pardon me, Captain Ling-I shall be obliged to
take prompt measures to secure hoy money
| What [ shall do, know not If ms respected
| uncle should learn that | have gambled away
the money he advanced, he would befriend me
no longer. He is a man Of strict principles, and
| know that he is already much displeased at
my recklessness. Marriage is the only straw
which will sustain me now, and even that straw
is apparently slipping through my fingers. The
merchant and his daughter consented to the
public celebration of the betrothal; but they
both assured me that the wedding could not be
fastened l, however, am of a different opinion.
1t ought to be hurried, for the betrothal is like
a small piece of meat, hung out to divert the at
tention of pack of hungry wolves-i. e., my
creditors; while, on the contrary, the wedding is
the whole OK, which is large enough to satisfy
them to such an extent that they will no longer
feel inclined for mischief. The metaphor is not
elegant; but / am grained tonight, and
cannot sweeten my words with sugar. I have
now disburdened my heart and hope 1 shall
be able to sleep the better for it. Write to me
as early as possible. Tell me how / can pur-
suade the stubborn father and daughter to con-
sent to my marriage before they feel inclined.
| am in great need of advice. Set your brains
at work, Gustavus, for your old friend,
"FERDINAND LING.
"P. S. Can you believe Gustavus, that have
been so hard pushed that / was obliged to pawn
my handsome horse, to enable me to make Rosa
little present, to-day? And how do you think
she rewarded my sacrifice? She shook her
pretty head, and, with friendly smile, admon-
ished me not to squander my money on her, as
she was already overstocked with trinkets.
don't think l shall give her cause for trouble on
that score again, l assure you"