The Trinity times., 1855-03-03
AS to Ellen, she merely said in a

III had instruction, should perhaps be
able to make something of music"
with your mothers permission" reioin-
ed Malthus, IL shall have pleasure in some-
times accompanying yon."
Mrs. Muller cast a scrutinizing glance at
the jew, whose countenance, which had re-
sumed its habitual calmness, showed nothing
that could excite her suspicious. She iudg-
ed that such a man was not at all dangerous,
and accepted his offer Nautilus bowed with
cold dignity doubtless approaching the mo-
tive Of this contidence-and Ellen struck a
few notes, 10 divert attention from her en-
barrassment
The Baron, who sought vent for his i'll
humor, said 70 the young girl, pointing to
the Jews stick
"lf anything should halt in the accompa-
nment, there is what will restore the meas
ure."
Ellen rose, cast a look at the baron, VIII ch
meant, Zone meets people like you every
where" and left the room. Nautilus took
up newspaper, and read until we separated
for the night.
The jew led the regular life of man who
knows the value OF time. lie worked until
noon, paid or received few visits, went up
on 'Change about two O'Clock, then shut
himself up in his own apartment and was
visible to nobody, and at precisely four
o'clock entered Mr.. Muller's room, where
Ellen awaited him at the piano. 1t was easy
to see that he daily assumed greater ascen>
dency over the mind Of his pupil, whose pro-
gress was rapid.
When Malthus smiled, Ellen's counte>
nance assumed an indescribabe expression
,,f tief,n h.,t. h.,
into its habitual thoughtful mood, the poor
girls soul appeared suspended IN sympa-
thetic medium; she saw nothing, answered
nobody in a word, she instinctvely assim-
lated herself to the mysterious being whose
influence governed her. When Mathis
leaned on his cane in walking, Ellen seemed
to say, "My arm would support him so WE'LL"
The jew, however, did not limp disagree
ably; his left leg was well formed, and his
symmetrical figure showed the disturbance
in its harmony to have been the result of an
accident. lie had the appearance Of having
long become reconcled to his infirmty, like
soldier who considers his wounds a glorious
evidence of his devotion to his country.
had more than once felt tempted to ask
Nautilus the history of his ameness; but lie
eluded with so much care every approach to
the subject that deemed myself obliged to
respect his secret.
Two months passed thus, and had op-
portunity of apprecating all the right mind
edness, generosity, and enlightenment that
dwelt in the accessible part Of that extraor-
dinary soul. In presence Of this dangerous
rival, who triumphcd without a struggle, the
baron became almost tender. Ills seltlov
suffered to see preferred TO him lame mer-
chant with fine voice: He sometimes at
tempted to quiz him; but Nautilus coniound-
en- him SO completely by the aptness Of his
retorts, that the laughcrs were never on the
side of the baron.
One night that the family party had as
sembled, Werter approached Mr. Muller
with a suppliant air, and delivered TO him let
ter from his father. The poor young mans
agitation made me suspect that the letter con-
tanned proposal. Mr. Muller read it with
attention and handed it to his wife, who rap
idly glanced over it and cast q scruiinizing
glance at her daughter, to make sure wheth-
er or no she was torewarned Of this step
A mothers pride is always Hattered under
such circumstances, and the first impulse is
generally favorable to the man who has sin
gIed out the object of her dearest affections;
but the second thought is one Of prudence;
a separation, the many risks of the future,
soon check the instructive satisfaction Of the
maternal heart, and thousand motives CON
cur to arrest the desired consent.
at were WELL" said she, "first to know
what Ellen think"
The words were like ray of light to the
poor girl, whose cOuntenance expressed the
utmost surprise.
BESIDES he is very young" added Mrs
Muller, loud CROUCH for The baron to hear.
Nerter's position WAS painful; he STAN
mercd few words, became embarrassed,
and abruptly left the room.
"a mere child" quoth the baron "who
should be sent back to his books"
Nautilus, who had observed all that passed
rested his two hands on his stick like man
disposed TO argue the point, and warmly de-
Tended the student.
''It cannot be denied" he said. in conclu-
sion, that the young mans choice pleads in
his favor; and his embarrassment, which at
that age il not unbecoming. proves, in my
opinion, that, whilst aspiring to 60 great a
happiness, he has sufficient mOdesty to admit
himself unworthy Of it,"
"lf a declaration were a sufficient proof Of
merit, interrupted the councillor, II know
one man who would not hesitate ~
"And who is thatY" inquired Mrs. Muller,
with i'll concealed curiosity.
"Myself, madam" replied the councillor
"Baron Won Noth.'
b. the way in which this was spoken, the
dissyllabIe "myselm appe ared heightened by
all the importance Of the parsonage.
"At my age men do not change" contin-
ued the baron; ''and the present is a guar
antee for the future"
Ellen really was to be pitied. When NAL
thus took Weriei's part ! saw that she was
on the point Of lanting. Her cOuntenance,
naturally SO gentle, was Overshadowed hy an
expression of vexation and displeasure. She
had taken the Jewss benevolent defence Of
the student for a mark Of indfierence-
Whilst still under the influence Of this pam
ful impression, the baron's declarachon came |
to add TO her agitation; she cast reproach- |
ful glance at Alalthus, sank back IN her char,
and swooned away. The Jew sprang for
ward. took her arms, laid her on sofa, and
knclt down beside her.
"You have not understood me, thenl" he