The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-01-24
would Justify. AT length, he said, in a some

woulu JuSuly. AT length, he said, in some
what hesitating tone
"Rosa's excessive grief on this occasion,
which to me Is utterly inconceivabe, afflicted
me extremely last evening, and l remember
having said something of the kind to sooth her
but, upon more mature consideration of the
matter, shall feel it my duty, as her father, to
represent that such an alliance deserves to be
more seriously regarded, even on my account,
without constraint, of course; there can be no
question of that, in any case"
es, yes, very good; but there is mode OF
putting such questions" suggested the Profess
or, that ID far more dangerous than the most
decided constraint. Rosa came to me yester-
day evening in so nervous and excited state,
that it required all my efforts to restore her to
usual quiet state of mind. You must know
that such violent emotions are injurious, and it
might be at the risk of Rosa's health, peace,
and, perhaps even her life, if you were to pros
ecute your plan OF exerting your influence upon
her sensitive and affectionate heart. Besides,
have you never thought that she may already
have chosen some other person to love ?"
"Well, to be sure, that might not be impos-
sible," stammered out the Merchant and his
wife, at the same time, while in their fancy
they saw their dawning hope already beginning
to develop itself in all its glory; but he quickly
! added, 1--WE have no reason for any presump.
ton of the sort. If such should be the case,
however, and it was an honest and respectable
man, who could take care of the girl, it would
be quite immaterial whether his name was Gar.
ben or not, so long as it was an honorable one. :"
"Ihat is just as l think, too," said the Pro-
lessor, evidently much pleased; "but to resume
the business in hand. In case you are willing
to trust me, and will associate yourself with a
man whose business capacity can answer for,
/ oy,d n II L.r n
you will keep all your terms of payment regu-
larly and decidedly, why, then, cali in and see
me tomorrow evening, when l will ask Mr..
NJ to come also, and we can then arrange
and agree upon all the minor matters"
"Surely, my friend, you cannot be in ear
nest?" said Mr.. Widen, in a tone expressive at
once of JOY and apprehension that he might be
deceiving himself in regard to this unexpected
proposal.
Most perfectly and entirely in earnest" the
Professor assured him, extending his hand.
Voluntarily, am willing to do the little good
| can; but when l think people wish me to do
things by force, it is generally very difficult; and
l must confess that 1 do this principally for
Rosa's happiness; for it must be understood,
that irrevocably as 1 give Mr.. Widen my word
his must be decidedly given to me in return,
that by this days post he will send Mr.. GARDEN
Use given, he may Immediately resume his
active career as man of business-of course,
always understood with prudence and economy.
or else the matter is at an end"
Here is nay hand for all / will do the best
can, replied the Merchant, with deep emotion.
"My heart is thankful for GARDENS kindness:
but thousand times rather would accent nv
good fortune from the hand of one who has lost
nothing by me, and, with Gods help, never
shall"
The two men exchanged cordial grasp, and
Madame Widen for once wept for true and nat
ural joy; and as she was not anxious that her
tears should produce an effect, she followed the
impulse common in such cases, and covered
her face with her handkerchief. However, long
and deep expressions of feeling were quite out
OF her way, and she wiped her eyes, which now
b beam sl, with oy and hope for sweet pros
the long tedious days which she was at present
obliged to drag YEARLY on. She thanked the
Professor in eloquent terms for the generosity
he had shown her husband and then rapidly
sought to change the conversation, to find out
what was the cause of this kindness on his
part, for she very well knew it was all connect
ed in some way with Rosa.
This motive alone appeared to her hardly of
sufficient Importance. and there must be some
thing besides-and had he not already limited
that perhaps Rosa had made another choice
In vain did she exert all her penetration, and
throw out all her hints. The Professor did not
understand her. and she was obliged to see the
old man leave without her curiosity being in
the least appeased.
But, Just as he was leaving the steps, she was
seized with sudden anxiety, at the thought of
having to exist long in such state of suspense
and uncertainty; and, without thinking, she
caught him by the skirt of his coat, and brought
him back to the hall.
"Forgive me, pray you, dear Mr.. Profess
or" said she. any good, kind Professor Ling,
you have filled mothers heart with anxiety.
Can it be possible that Rosa should cherish a
feeling which her mother, her most intimate
confidant in affairs of the heart, should not
know2"
spray, do not be anxious, my dear Madame"
replied the Professor, laconicslly; "if you set
the least value upon the friendship have for
your family, do not torment Rosa with the slight
est alluson to, or question her upon the sub
ject. When the proper time comes, will an
nounce the sutton to you"
And, saying this, the old gentleman left the
house.
Poor Mrs. Widen remained alone, lost in
coniectures. After puzzling her poor brain for
long time, she returned to her first presump-
ton, that the Professor meant himself. Oh,
yes, it was quite clear, perfectly so. Still she
sighed, she could not help it, at the thought
of seeing her charming, beautiful Rosa, the wife
of such an old man as the Professor.
"What ideas do come into girls heads nova
days." said she, half aloud "who could imag-
inc that Rosa would prefer this old superannua-
ted body to a man like GARDEN, who is still in
the prime of life p? But l will be quiet; know
nothing about it, and then-he cannot live so
very long"
REMAINDER OF CHAP. Xxx NEXT WEEK.