The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-02-21
CHAP XIII.


Madame Widen discovers the ,SuitOr
The Merchant Widen had, by fortunate spec
ulations, again become a person of considera-
BILE property; if not as much as he was once
possessed OF, sufficient to feel upon firm ground
at least.
The capital which Professor Ling had ad-
vanced him had been repaid, so likewise most
of his old creditors. Business was flourish
ing, and his credit was good; but, notwith,
standing, neither the Merchant nor his wife,
who had now once more their small social
circle, in which their word was law, had for
gotten the warm debt of gratitude which they
owed to their true and valued friend, the good
Professor, and consequently they were on
very friendly terms with him. They had given
Up all hope of his ever paying his addresses to
Rosa, as there was not a trace of anything of
the kind to be discovered and yet Rosa's re-
pugnance to any matrimonial alliance land she
had, during the last year, received. an advanta
geous offer) remained as firm as before.
When the Professor entered this afternoon,
he found the Widen family at coffee; their nm.
every mark of respect and joy; but Rosa, at
a sign from her father, took refuge in another
apartment, where she found consolation in her
lovers last letter, full of fervent affection, du-
ring the long and anxious hour which she had
TO spend in solitude, in expectation of sum-
mons from papa. After the Professor had
taken coffee, and had been initiated by Madame
Widen in a large easy-chair, with all the little
comforts and conveniences about him which
she could devise, she took {. seat beside him,
and inquired, for the third time, after his
health.
"Well, replied the old gentleman, when he
found an opportunity to edge in an answer,
"my health is not 80 bad but my strength
my strength decreases more and more, and as
cures me daily, that, at the age CT eeventy.
seven years, one can no longer rely upon ones
self, or upon them; in short, they remind me
of speedy departure, and, in union Herewith,
inspire me with the thought of how | can best
establish the happiness Of those that have
loved during life"
May this period be far distant, my worthy
friend" replied Mr.. Widen, with real emotion,
"and may we yet see our good brother long
with US. am sure it is an universal wish"
"Ah! yes" sighed Madame Widen, exces-
sively affected at the idea that their honorable
old friend now wished to secure the happiness
of those dearest his heart.
"Ah, yes, indeed; no one can have another
thought or wish, my dear Professor Ling, for
this paternal kindness and goodness has hound
TO ht,t h., of tt,1Ho oil
those who have your generosity to thank for
everything"
"Not so, my dear lady" returned the Profes-
sor, not little embarrassed at the good lady's
excessive cordiality. "As to yourselves, my
friends, the small aid which / had it in my
power to afford you has been settled long ago.
l was thinking of Rosa, whom ] love as if she
was my own daughter; and, without farther
preface, it is on her account that come hither
to-day"
The old suspicion of wedding awakened
afresh, and with redoubed strength, on the
lady's mind.
"Ah, the noble old SOUL" thought she "he
would not unite himself to her before he felt
that he was near his death, in order that he
might constitute her his heiressi" At this
began to weep, and then replied, "Ah, my very
good Professor Ling, how happy does not this
thought make me, which 1 have long known,
and know how to appreciate but why can we
not hope that you may be spared to US for a
long time YETI"
"And what, then, has Madame Widen long
known and appreciated ?" asked the Professor,
with a smile very like the one which was for
merly so constantly on his lips, and which al
WAYS put the good lady completely out of con-
ceit.
al Oh, yes what have long known and
appreciated What question, my dear Pro-
fessorl What else should | mean, but your
benevolence and kind feelings for Rosa?"