The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-11-22


50 sit down by me, and let me know the caus,
of your disquietude."
Encouraged by Rosa's kindness, Ferdinand
now began narrative of all the events of hi!
life, from his youth; of his unfortunate inclina
ton for play, which had involved him in sc
much trouble. To this followed his Journey tc
the residence, the jovial banquet, the sar casms
of his comrades on his refusing to Join in play
OF his burning desire to engage in it only once
more, and then, step by step, his struggles, his
weakness, and the unhappy results of that un
fortunate night, and all except what was connect
ed with Hilda Borgenskold, to which he care
fully avoided all allusion.
Silent and pale sat Rosa there, when he had
done speaking. 1t was now quite clear to her
why Ferdinand, who had never previously
shown her more than common attentions a,
the very moment he received his Captains
commission, had, all at once, become so vio
lently enamored with equal precipitation had
paid her his addresses, and now, after an over.
hasty betrothal, was anxious for as hurried a
wedding.
The cause of this was now clear, beyond a
doubt; and when Rosa considered in her mind
his peculiar relation with his aunt, Mrs. Bor
genskold's family, and particularly as regarded
Hilda, and recollected his own confession, that
circumstances were connected Herewith which
ne could not explain, the whole plan of the no.
BILE Captain was Enthusiastically before her eyes
AT the first moment, vexation was the predomi
nant feeling; but when she took the second
thought, she came to the conclusion that he
had undoubtedly acted very wrong, but that he
had been the victim of his own weakness, rath
er than really vicious.
Now, however, arose in her bosom thank
| full aspiration towards the great Disposer OF
events for the Captains INSCRIPTIONS comics
sion rescued her from union with man SC
totally devoid of heart, and of all the finer feel
ings; yet she could not help feeling sorry for
him, in his painful position for that he was suf
fering was evident, and on no account what
ever would she select such a moment as this
to lay before him the necessity of dissolving a
connection which had been entered into, on his
part upon such grounds but she fully resolved
to seek an early opportunity to do so. Should
her fathers position be such as she feared il
was, the Captain would not be very difficult to
convince that it would be by far the best way
to break off an alliance which promised so lit
tie hope of happiness to either.
With real sefcontrol, and without sign Of
Indignation, she now broke the silence which
followed the Captains confession and which he
had not hitherto ventured to disturb by either
question or observation.
/ DOR L erulndnu, Sdlu Sne, III grleV6S INC
to see you so much depressed. Truly, l cannot
acquit you Of errors and weakness but your
repentance, and your sacred promise never to
gamble again, should be sufficient, hope, tc
appease your uncle--at least, will do all in
my power to further this end. But do not
venture to hold out to you decided hope of 9
successful result. l will not conceal from you
that / consider it very doubtful-but l will dc
all can to intercede for you"
~ thank you, my dear Rosa," said Ling
with slight sigh, kissing her hand. "Wher
will you go to the Profess9r?", :,
| Tomorrow; and, >" added she, with a smile
of encouragement, abe convinced at least,
will try the result of all my eloquence."
Her mother now entered, and, as the Captain
felt in no mode to engage in conversation
upon Indifferent subjects, he pleaded an engage
ment, and took his leave, Notwithstanding Mrs
Widen urged him to remain.
He is difficult and tiresome to manage, and
that in no trifiing degree, too" said Madame
Widen. when Ferdinand had closed the door
behind him; and taking her work, she sat down
by the window.
Twilight had not quite fallen, when a slow
heavy rolling of wheels announced the arrival
of large carriage.
"Who may that be now?" exclaimed she
/ inquisitively, as she saw a machine, rather re
sembling a little house than carriage, drawn
| up before the large hotel of the town, which
was directly opposite their house. "What dc
you think, Rosa, dear? Only look how the mas
ter himself, the walters, and half the people in
the house, are hurrying down the steps,"
While she was speaking, the carriage door
was opened, and very tall, thin, middle-aged
gentleman stepped out, and went up the steps
with a firm tread and an air of distinction.
"Now, | should like to know who that is,
she began again, in couple of seconds. 81
should like to know what he is. l will Just OBJ
serve on which side they light up. If it should
be on this side, it is a person of distinction
for the state rooms look this way"
Rosa scarcely bestowed glance upon the
traveller, she had so much besides to occupy
her thoughts.
However, her mother quickly exclaimed
"Did not say so? Was it not Just what
thought? The state rooms are being lighted up
and only see what a running and hustle Of
strange servants, and chamber-maids, and every
body-and there comes the gentleman himself
preceded by the host with couple Of candles
! Who In Heavens name can it be, that they
are making such a fuss about? But no-oh
how tiresome, that pert girl there letting the
blinds down. Hem-I had forgotten, with all
this nonsense, that had some orders for Mad
anne Bern"
And Mrs. Widen left the room in great haste
"Dame Bern-Dame Bern-where are your
"Here, Madame what does my lady please
to want?" replied the housekeeper, who came
hurriedly from the Kitchen with basin in one
hand and spoon in the other.
"Have you let the breast of veal cook, Dame
Bern?" asked the mistress, who had drawn
upon herself the anxious looks of the servants
by her eager appearance, and therefore she
I ok
ooh, of course, ma am" said the housekeep
er; but perhaps my lady will be SO good as to
try the apple jelly"
! Dame Bern was so practiced in these kind
of affairs, that she had quite penetration enough
to perceive that her mattress had special com
mission for her, and therefore cunningly slip
ped in the question about the apple jelly.
Aye, that would not be bad plan you
generally make it too sweet" replied Madame
Widen; and, entering the larder with Dame
Bern, she shut the door,
My dear Dame Bern" she now commenced
IN the most condescending tone in the world
- carnage just stopped at the hotel opposite
and tall, MISUNDERSTANDING fair gentleman
alighted, upon whose account they seemed to
be making a tremendous TODD. How shall we
manage to find out what it all means? | know
that you are very clever in these matters, Dame
Bern can you not send over to Mrs Swanstedt
and just by change, as it were, learn all about
h?"
"Eely upon me, my lady; as sure as / an
alive, we'll soon know all about it; then onl,
look, now; fair, said my lady-aye, yes, what die
/ say? that was not upon the cards, just t.
amuse us, depend upon it; now, then, we shall
see what representative, I'll just cal
Louise, and send her over, to take the grea
pudding mould, which the Swanstedt people
lent us the other day. Louise knows ", what t;