The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-01-17

fessor watch how the warm blood colored Rosa
cheeks. Every trace of sorrow, uneasiness,
| and struggle, had vanished, as she read the
letter: The almighty power of love was plainly
manifest In the entire expression of her being.
Well, now" said the old man, ais there
anything there which explains to you what he
would think of it, if he should hear you were
engaged to Garben?'
Rosa shuddered; she pressed the note in
silence TO her lps-but, at the mention of Gar
ben.s name, her suppressed uneasiness was
again revived.
An, my kindest Uncle Lingl" said she in
| soft and trenlulous voice. and pressing his
hand afectionately in her own, should die
IT they tore me from him; but how can live,
| and read daily in my poor fathers emaciated
features his sorrow and his mute reproaches? ?"
Hear me, my dear child" said the Profess
| or, quietly lighting his pipe, and taking off
his spectacles; "there is no danger with your
fathers trouble, and as little with his generosity
and self.denial. understand it all; all that
| was but convenient means of softening you, and
bringing you under the yielding influence of
your feelings of duty and flial affection. have
| no manner of doubt that your father has your
real happiness ut heart but, as he is unaware
of your love, he is therefore of opinion that it
would be secured by a union with Garden, and
| considers it reasonable to take advantage of
any means to attain this end, as this good for
| tune would at the same time restore his lost
credit. And this is scarcely to be wondered
at for, to a man in his best and most ener-
getic years, an inactive life is the heaviest and
| most oppressive of all burdens, and more par
| ticuarly when he has large family. But now
tranquilize yourself; far be it from an old
| friend to wish to inspire you with single feel
ing in opposition to your flial piety. would
only make you clearly perceive that your IA
theirs fortune depends less upon your marriage
with GARDEN, than upon his very natural desire
to get upon his legs again. Were there no
other expedient, it would be your duty, and that
of every good and correctly feeling daughter,
to sacrifice your feelings for the happiness and
welfare of your parents and, in such a case,
as your sincere and upright friend, should
counsel you to do 80. But, my girl, you know
not what l would do, not only to forward your
affection, but to tranquillize the feelings of an
affectionate daughter, and, in word, to lay
the foundation of your earthly happiness. And
now no more tears; be calm, take comfort
your old friend will watch over you. Have ]
not promised Mannerstedt to do so? So take
your letter, 60 home, and build your castles in
peace, in which you are to live some day with
him; and, meanwhile, I will think of some
means of guarding against future storms. You
know that love you too much to look on and
see you become the victim of such struggle
Tomorrow l will speak to your father myself.
Filled with delight too great for words to
express, Rosa bent over the old mans hand
which she watered with her tears; and the
holy feelings of gratitude, which glowed up in
her heart, were manifest in the looks of mex
pressible affection with which she gazed into
his features as, with her letter in her hand, she
left him.
"The girl does just what she likes with me, y
murmured the Professor; "however, l have
taken both her and the lad under my protec
ton; and if ! wish to establish their happiness
| must first restore her to peace within herself
| will speak to the Merchant, and do what
1 can, for love of the girl. Besides, it is O
pity with him, too; and it has panied me al
heart more than once, when 1 have seen him
creeping about the streets like ghost. Yes
yes; I'll speak to him tomorrow, and so thai
point 10 settled
And having come to this conclusion, the old
man was about to return to his folio, and re
sumo his interrupted studies, when Captain
Ferdinand entered, and paid his respects to
his uncle.
"Good evening, my lad" said he, mildly
"what makes you always 60 about, hanging
your head in this way? can't allow it. Now
Jour creditor is disposed of, and you ought tc
be cheerful aad happy when you visit me- ant
not look so sad, or as il you had turned as
tronomer, and was continually moon and star
gazing"
"Oh, my dear uncle, pray forgive me if 1 an
not cheerful" replied the Captain, in a tone O
entreaty; 5000 knows tat | am very grateful
for being helped out of my difficulties, but
cannot be gay; my heart will not suffer it."
"What nonsense, my dear boy time viii
cure that-it is not worth your while to speaL
of loye--just put it all out of your head, unit
you are older and steadier. Besides, it is of NJ
use of thinking about marriage with Hilda-
for the girl will not have you, that you may re
ly upon"
How do you know that for certain, uncle?
asked the Captain, as he thought of the lette
of entreaty which he had sent by that day.
post.
No matter how ! know it," said his uncle
"that is neither here nor there-enough, you'll
never get her, take my word for it."
~ shall not give up all hope yet" continued
Ferdinand; sand must tell you in confidence
uncle, that to-day, for the last time, l hav,
written to her, snd implored her consent; ant
| hatter myself with the hope that. since sht
has found out how melancholy her new hom,
will soon be, she will listen to MY prayer, for
give and forget, and return here as my wife"
"You gave yourself unnecessary trouble,
said the Professor, rather viciously; "she vii
forgive you, no noubt; but she will never for
get that, for certain reason, you preferred an
other to herself You'll be refused, as sure a.
my name is old Ling, rely upon it. Hilda, ever
as child, was very decided and irm-not lik,
father and mother, however, whose obstinacy
had cutie different grounds; she is brave
good girl, ana hes more steadfastness in he
character than dozen like you."
Ferdinand only replied by two words
"Dear uncle"
But his eyes flashed, and his cheeks glowet
with Indignation, which he dared not give ven
to in words, for fear of Offending his kind ant
paternal old friend.
"Now, am wrong?" continued the Profess
or, who observed Ferdinand's emotion, AM
wished to profit by it, am wrong, or do you
wish me to repeat your conduct over AGAR
from the beginning? To my mind, the wors
! Of all is, that you must give her the triumph O
refusing your entreaties again and again. Wer.
you a man of the least pride, of the least reso
luton, you would give her up, after having don.
all you could, and all that could properly b,
expected from an honorable lad, to make W
| fer an oyer hasty act"
The Professors words at once soothed anc
hurt the Captains sense of honor, but the,
at the same time addressed themselves ener
getically and encouragingly to his manly pride
and, extending his hand to his uncle, he said
"If she refuses me this, can assure you i
will be the last; believe me, uncle, my weak
ness for Hilda VIII totally vanish with the an
initiation of my last hope. shall no longe
love woman who is so inveterate, and then
shall soon forget her."
"Good, good, my boy" returned the Profess
or; "keep your word, and then you shall appl,