The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-11-15

they wish; but should their wishes stand in op-
position TO the iron hand of necessity, to weld
becomes a compulsory virtue
" la, do you think 80 2" said the old man,
with good-natured smile. "Aye, ave, such
might be the case; but, meanwhile, men entan-
gle themselves, by their own thoughtless con-
duct, IN whole crowd of necessities and du.
ties, without which they could have been COM
Portable enough, and which of themselves again
entail incalculable results"
Mannerstedt, who was totally ignorant of
the domestic relations of the family, was not
aware TO what the Professor alluded, and there
fore thought it better to be silent The old
gentleman bent his sharp glance firmly upon
Frank, and continued
my nephew and his bride, for instance"
He paused.
how so ~ asked Mannerstedt in tolera-
bly, composed tone, though his voice slightly
trembled
why, in my opinion" continued the Pro-
lessor, they have just entered into a mutual
relation OF that sort, and have taken dnt;z upon
themselves, which'f am -spprehensive they may
respectively find not little difficult to per-
form; tor they are no more suited to each other
than the girl would be to me-"
:" have not the honor Of knowing much of
the Captain" replied Mannerstedt, "and there
tore cannot judge as regards him but have
known Miss Widen long and well, and l know
not how the man must be constituted whom her
amable nature and truly good qualities would
not make happy"
"Well, then, he must just be exactly endowed
with the qualities" said the Professor " which
fall to the share of my beloved nephew know
the business, and cannot bear regretting the
blindness of these two young people. Indeed,
wish the whole affair was broken off; but
what says MIR. Mannerstedt
Frank hardly knew whether the Professor
was In jest or earnest; but, in serious tone of
voice, he replied
" For my part, / consider betrothal, in re-
gard to Its DURATION as sacred as marriage
ITSELF"
There was certain air of cordial good will
IN the looks of the Professor, as Mannerstedt
thus spoke; and the smile that curled his lips
was full of kindness, as, after a short pause, he
replied
"Those are good principles, my dear Man
nerstedt but they are by no means applicable
to everything of the kind. l am afraid, that if
Ferdinand and Rosa are married, it will not be
a happy marriage and is it prudent to sacrifice
oneself, and ones whole prospective happiness,
just to be the blind slave of hasty promise 2"
II cannot, dare not, venture to speak my
thoughts in this case," said Mannerstedt, slow
~. Il cannot rely upon my own judgment.
L am still young, and have not much experience
to aid me. But this / certainly do know-it
would pain me much should l hear Rosa Rad
broken the engagement herself. l do most
heartily and fervently wish that it may not be
tor, to meet with any action which had shade
OF levity in so beautiful character, would most
deeply afflict me-"
With look of friendly appreciation, the Pro-
lessor gave Mannerstedt his hand.
II believe myself" said he, that it will never
originate with her; however, let us talk of some
thing else. When do you hope to graduate 2"
Not for year. have an examination be-
fore me, ere l can attain the object have long
been striving for, and which has only been de-
layed by my distressed circumstances but |
am now preparing myself for it with all the en-
ergy possess"
"Good; and what prospects, Mr.. Mannerstedt,
have you, for your future settlement"
According to what one of my cid friends,
Counsellor Lifver, wrote me this day, l have
the decided promise, as soon as l have finished
my course, OF tutorship in the academy of my
native town; and when the rector, who is al
ready In years, receives the pastorship, which
cannot be long ere it occurs, / have the hope of
succeeding him in his present place."
That all sounds very we'll" said the Pro-
fessor; :" and as have always taken pleasure
in young men who work their own way, it will
afford me great pleasure, if 1 can in any way
assist you in leaving this town; and the sooner
the better"
Mute with grateful emotion, Mannerstedt
bowed deeply.
have no more eager wish 1 will, and must
leave" Confused at the idea of the interpreta-
ton which the Professors penetration would
possibly put upon this must" he arose to take
his leave; but his hospitable host, holding him
back, replied
Il ordered Madame Brun this morning to
have dinner for two, in case l might be fortu
nate enough to find some guest to partake with
me-"
Mannerstedt cordially thanked him, and re-
seated himself-and the conversation took a
more general turn.
When Mannerstedt had left him in the even
ing, the Professor muttered to himself "a con-
founded brave lad it would be sin not to
help him. / cannot understand the little Rosa
Why could she rot have waited? She might have
relied upon it, that the honest lad would not
have run away from her. However, / suppose
she fancied her father and mother would never
have consented. The day may come. however,
when Mr.. Widen will accept rector for a SON.
in-aw-for l see it is all up with Ferdinand"