The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-11-08
ROSA AND HER SUlT0RS.
Translated BY Ebert PIERCE.
CHAP. Y.
A TALE OF SWEDISH DOMESTIC LIFE.

The Mysterious IdchdYe-L"e SURPRISE
Christmas day was ushured in by severe
snow storm ; and as there was no company at
Nr. Widcn's house, and the family themselves
had 10 engagement, the general discomfort was
sill more augmented by the wretched weather.
Everybody seemed weary, and yswned -
m4rcifuuy. The Captain had dined with one
of his superior officers, and was to remain
there until evening, and the family were quite
alone.
The Merchant was playing patience, and in
rlined to quarrel with the cards, because they
would not 90 right, Notwithstanding all the
ingenuity he showed in turning one, every in
liyilual card, and canvassing its possible sig
ni6cance. His wife was turning over the leaves
of magazine of arts, fashions, and novelties.
Rosa was practicing favorite air at the piano.
The boys were playing at a side-table. And
the iris we're dressing their dolls.
Suddenly slight scraping of feet was heard
in the passage-Rosa suddenly stopped play
ing. and her heart began to beat with an i'm
petuosity that rendered any attempt at singing
ont of the question, for it quite took away her
breath. One, two, three, eternal seconds, which
were utterly unmarked by the other members
Of the party, seemed to her to creep by with
deadly tedium Al length the door opened,
and Mannerstedt's tall figure appeared, well
come relief to the tiresome monotony.
Dear me, for Heavens sake" cried Madame
Widen, tossing her book to the other end of
the sofa, b" is that you, Mr.. Mannerstedt? You
come exactly at the right moment; we have
no company this evening, and you are most
heartily welcome. But, good heavens, Mr..
Mannerstedt, how could you venture out under
the circumstances, when you we're in bed with
Aver this very morning."
Mauners:edt bowed deeply, and replied
Certainly, did not feel very well, but it
was the mind chiefly that suffered and / was
very anxious to thank you for the great kind
ness YOU have shown me in my sorrow"
You really must not mention that, my dear
Mannerstedt," replied Madame; "we lamented
your sad loss, with all our hearts but such is
the common course of this life, and we must
maze the best of it; for when once a thing has
occurred, say, and always shall say, mourning
about ii answers no purpose"
Mannerstedt bowed silently, in answer to
these very superficial arguments of consolation,
and turned to pay his respects to Mr.. Widen,
who merely looked up for an instant from his
cards, with kindly nod, and said
Very sorry, very sorry for you, indeed, Mr..
Mannerstedt; but pray excuse me, for | am
Just now so completely taken up with my cards,
that YOU must amuSe yourself with the ladies
am sure they will be quite glad Of your com
I2ny.'
thus saying, he resumed his cards, to which
he devoted hs exclusive attention; and Frank
now had to speak to Rosa.
HIS unexpected arrival, which she had not
even yCntured to hope for, had driven the warm
blood to her beautiful cheeks but, happily, Gu
Tlrg her mothers lengthy address, she had sui
lcient time 10 collect herself and when Man
nerstedt, pale and depressed, with deep and
silent sadness in his dark glance, approached
sic ave hun her hand, saying, in a low voice
q" ! assure you, dear Mr. Mannerstedt, that
sympathize with your sorrow, from the bottom
Of my heart. | well know how dearly you low.
ed the departed, and l therefore also know how
you must mourn her loss but your mind is
strong and hope and trust that you will keep
kour icrttude, and not give way, after sorrow
has received its first and natural tribute"
la Rysa's voice lay far deeper and warmer
SympAthy than in the words themselves, which
penetrated Franks heart and he ventured tc
.'-iin her hand for an instant in his own, q:
be repled-
"0h, no, dear, kind Rosa; be assured, tha
L9seYer difficult the struggle may be, will mo-
in 10 overcome it,
Ia, eh, Rosa, dear, what are you thinking
q cried her mother, who could not exactly
i'aT what they were saying, but had an ides
!'-' there was little too much Sensibility go
ING on; you should not speak of Mr.. Manner
seat sorrows: they are painful enough. Come
here. ny dear Mr.. Mannerstedt, and sit dowI
iy me; l have some better comfort to offer
an unknown friend of yours sent a packet here
On Christmas eve, and l kept it to give to you
myself. Caroline, my love, put your doll down
70 INTO my cabinet, and bring that large parce
which is lying on the table,"
caroline reluctant fingers, after a twice-re
peA'ed make haste, my darling" laid aside
me dear doll, and in a few seconds returned
with the packet
hank you, dear Caroline" said mamma
hissing the chids forehead. ais not she 6
dear child-aHd so obedient, too?" added she
10 Mr.. Mannerstedt.
oh, yes, very pretty and charming replied
rAhk, and hoped to be rid Of the subject; tn,
L'ay' however, continued, Il have Just beer
thinking that We might commence with Caro-
mes singing. She should learn the notes il
ZOO tune, for has she not beautiful voice
- son and sweet, and full of toner"
Now, II Mr.. Mannerstedt had answered Ives
- uis question, he would have infringed upor
Ie truth, which was always sacred to him, anC
therefore answered cautiously, saying i
~ 8n, hardly possible to Judge OF so young :
WI, y, with any certainty.
N%dame Widen let the subject drop, as sh,
, ,4T ne was disinclined to pursue it, and saiC
A'lh' We can discuss this hereafter blu
pay see what your parcel contains"
10 say the truth, Frank would much rattle
Ave ave waited until he had returned to his Owl
ne-y chamber; but this would have seriousl
I,iOyed Madame Widen, and Mannerstedt fel
- a'' ne could not be ungrateful, after receiving
VlH many marks Of her favor and kindness
me he was engrossed with his reflection
I'M 'his critical state of affairs, and thought
he turning and twisting the parcel about il
Ja,I Ia1uS, the lady called to her younges
josephine, bring me the scissors you ar
sA De little love was miracle of obedience
zane In an instant. Madame took tn
m 9o,sors, and saying "there," with rapi'
as. ,enent OF her own noble fingers the striny
n asGnder, and of course Mannerstedt, a
ii agty bound, said
Tba am exceedingly obliged to you, Madame.
co,Lo. parcel was opened, and a black suit O
;onarI' Oh the utmost ineness and most fash
Nrs aU ne. cut, was displayed to his view. A
y;rc0 Iuen hastily took out the clothes, to cor
snee.. herself that they were complete in all re
bs ,b winch, to her satisfaction, she found t
was ~. Ease folded paper fell out, upon whic
Ia ana honorable exertion."
each OF e paper were also a couple of bank notes
"a oil htty dollars.
han, HISnnerstedt stood there, with the note in hi
-|--A lie WAS S1lart - 4