The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-02-07

And why are you thinking of going SO
early" she asked, in low tone, and with a
perceptibie tenor in her voice.
DO you wish me to remain? ?" He reseated
himself.
The question, L think, was superiuous.v
why, way, then, refuse me one kind look ?
Ii you will not speak one friendly word, that
must give ne PAIN
" And YET would not do that interrupted
dllda-"be assured of it-but -
But look upon me once more, then. he be-
sought her earnestly" but one, only one look.
ana will aot ask again this evening"
Nor tomorrow, either" said Hilda. again
smiling, for she preceived by his voice that he
was more composed.
NO, no, neither tomorrow nor next day-for
an entire week I'll talk of nothing but spinach
and fine weather, if Hilda will only look upon
me this once"
And she did look up, and in the glance which
they exchanged lay all the bliss and heartfelt
devotion which look could express. Walin-
der looked deep into her heart, aud there read
the guaranty of his future hopes. God only
knows whether his promise would have remain
ed unbroken, had not at this moment lad. in
great haste, rushed unceremoniously into the
hall, with the message, that Walinder must
hasten home as quickly as possible. The old
Provost had been struck with apoplexy. and
was in the agonieS of death.
Waihnder, turning pale, sprang ND in an in
slant. CO." he said to the boy, Z" will come
in minute. Farewell, now, dear Hilda; only
tell me am welcome, and, when ! can find
time, | will come over here
" on will be heartily welcome, dear Wallin-
der, said Hilda; do not let us wait too long.
Us" repeated Walinder, as he took up his
hat; and he looked at her very reproachfuily.
The parting made Hilda weaker than she
possibly believed she could be; almost uncon-
sciously, she added
" DO not let me wait too long--but now make
haste"
"Oh, Hilda;" and before she could anticipate
such liberty, Wallinder had pressed her to his
heart, and whispered in her ear, snow you are
forever mine
. All was the work of an instant; and before
Hlida had recovered from her surprise, he was
already in the saddle; he pressed the horses
side with the spur waved his hat in token oil
adieu, and FASTENED to the bed Of death, to
comfort and to sooth the pillow of the depart.
ing.
On his arrival at the parsonage, he found the
old man wife In the most unconsolable state
of grief, by the dying bed of her pale husband
NAS ihSiSiy biOoehCN iOCpi) DclCTc the bCC-
tor had arrived from the town. he was at rest.
AS was expected Wallinder received orders
to take charge of the living, during the widows
year of grace; and none doubted that he would
receive the nomination to the post for he could
calculate upon the vote Of ell the three parishes
With such prospects, he was justified in contract
ing an engagement-them more so, as his chosen
>one was person beloved by all the people; and
as he always did homage to the maxim that a
man should enjoy the good which life offered,
and that it was best to begin as soon as posi-
Bile, he paid his formal addresses to Hilda Bor-
genskold, was accepted, andreceived her parents
] blessing. The young people exchanged their
rings at the Neck's Island, and every evening, as
long as the weather permitted, WalIinder rowed
his betrothed over in their beautiful little boat
When the chill autumn came, and the blooming
island was desert spot, their affection prosper
ed under the kindly shelter of homeland they
were happier every day, for they grew dearer to
each other, and winter bore them roses, unem.
Uttered by a single thorn.