The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-01-03
beautiful evening? The country is very charm


pected the grazier of Bro, with whom he had
some business to arrange.
Would Miss Hilda venture TO intrust her
self alone to my guardianship ?" asked W sllin-
der, IN a tone of pleasantly. al must mention
beforehand, however, that there ia mountain
grotto here in the country, which, according to
the saying, is haunted by the witches"
will venture, Notwithstanding" replied
Hilda, gaily; and she sprang away, to fetch her
hat, parasol, and gloves.
Wallinder offered her his arm, and she
tripped lightly by his side ont of the gate, and
down the little avenue. Mamma and papa
nodded and smiled to them, until they were hid
den by turn in the road
- he is really very polite young man, our
Master" said Mrs. Borgenskold. ado you
know If he has passed pastors examination
yet? for l presume he does not mean to be a
curate long"
GAS you say, my love, he certainly does not
mean to be curate all his life and as to the
pastors examination, he passed that last win
ter, and it is generally believed that he viii be
called to the living of B, when the old pas
tor dies-for Wallinder has not only all the
consistory on his side, but the mass of the
Pensioners as WELL"
AYE, and no WONDER either" said Mrs. B.;
=" he has such taking way with every one, that
he must be beloved. But is the Provost so very
old and sickly, and blind to boot? He may,
perhaps, live many long year yet"
"That is very possible, indeed; but what
makes you interest yourself about this matter,
Elizabeth ?"
~ think it good plan to make inquiries
about ones neighbors. Do you know whether
Master Wallinder is betrothed ?-but of course
you can't know"
eyes, indeed, my dear old lady, do know
| <1nk L., e. d. &c
Scallerbo, as the saying is, worked for the bare
life to get him for his son-in-law but nothing
came of it. But there comes my friend from
Bro; do you think, my love, that can settle to
let him have the planks for that price, before l
get an answer from the Patron. 1t might not
be advisable, perhaps"
You must understand best about that, my
dear Herman; but if it is the current price,
should think you might take it."
eyes, think so too. See there; good even
ing, farmer. How gets on the seed at Bro?
Does it not look beautifully here at Lindfors?
All, my DEAR" added he, turning to his wife,
will you get something to eat for our neighbor
in my room?'
Mrs. Borgenskold took her bunch of keys
and withdrew, with slight sigh at all the in
conveniences which arise in the country among
the worst of which, III her mind, was, that
every one that came in had to be fed.
Meanwhile, Hilda and Wallinder strolled arm
in-arm along the beautiful river banks. A lit
tie further down. lay small boat when they
reached it, Wallinder said
"Do you see that little islet there, in the mid
die of the clear, blue mirror? Is it not quite
inviting? Will Miss Hilda permit me to row
| her over there?"
ais that where the witches dwell?" asked
she, laughing.
"No, but perhaps the Neck lies there shall
we see how it looks in his little DOMAINE"
Every good" said HIda, getting into the
boat.
Wallinder grasped the oars, and the little
boat glided smoothly out into the mirror-like
water.
"Oh, this is very pretty-very lovely" said
Hilda, with thankful glance at her compan-
| ion.
"How happy it makes me, to think you find
it So" replied Wallinder, as, releasing one of
his oars for an instant, he leaned over, and
ed on the side Of the boat. Slightly embar-
raised, she drew it back and, without exchang-
ing another word, they reached the Holm.
Walinder sprang out, and made fast the boat,
and aided his fair companion to land upon the
charming little spot, which appeared quite
worthy to be dwelling for the Neck.
"Who tends this delightful little Holm ?"
asked Hilda, seating herself upon the little
bank Of fresh, grassy turf. "This seat appears
to be quite newly raised, and is not the little
plat in front there strewn with flowers 2"
~ presume the Neck may have had some
inkling of our visit, and has consequently deck
ed out his mansion" replied Wallinder.
"The Neck is very polite host" said Hilda.
~ would he knew how much thank him for the
enjoyment he has prepared for me-"
ooh! say only what is pure, unsullied truth"
urged Wallinder; and there was in his voice a
| touching tone of pensiveness "Neck's sharp
vision can penetrate Miss Hilda's heart, and
plaintive indeed would be the tones in which
he would make known his grief, should he
discover that her words are those of mere
politensss."
"Neck shall have no just cause for such a
complaint she answered, quickly, as she suf
fered Wsllinder to gaze upon her clear, dark
eyes. "This day-this whole day, with the ex-
ception Of the sorrow which ! felt at my friend
Rosa's letter-has been one of the most delight
full of my life."
Oh, then l will hope to be able to afford
you many more like it," replied he, with enthu-
siasm; "and as l, yesterday evening, when
here, entertained hope that might be per-
mitted to conduct you hither, left that behind
which believed would give pleasure to my pro-
posed companion"
Wallinder then went to hollow in the trunk
Of an old tree, and took thence flute he then
seated himself upon the halffallen stem, and
CAUSED the instrument to give forth its full, rich
tones of melody, which we're softly repeated by
the distant echo. Hilda was in perfect rapture;
never had she passed so delightful an evening,
never had such sense of bliss pervaded her
! heart.
ooh what pity mamma is not here" she
sighed, as Wallinder laid down the flute " she
has missed great pleasure; however, we must
hope to repeat it soon"
| The sun was already dipping its last golden
rays in the blue, ripping water, as our young
and happy couple again approached the shore
at Lindfors. Softly glided the boat to the land,
and gaily and happily they strolled up the little
avenue, and entered the courtyard. Papa was
seated in his nook, smoking his pipe, and NAM
ma called out to them from the open window
! "Where, in Heavens name, have you been
so long? l was really beginning to be seriously
taken you off in good earnest"
"No, this time was the culprit," said Wal
| Under. as they both entered the hall. 81 alone
carried off Miss Borgenskold; we have been
visiting such lovely little island, down the river
Wonder. took her there, that she might enjoy
the delightful views which We have around u.s.
"Well, there is no harm in that" said nam.
ma, with gracious smile; "and now suppose
you must be hungry, for it is long past tea-time.
You must be hungry, surely, Hilda; am quite
certain of il" continued mamma.
"We dined so late," rejoined Hilda; show
ever, dare say, Mr. Wallinder, we can do jus
nce to mammals preparations
And offering her hands, she led him to the
table, on which the rural meal was spread.
AS he took leave, Wallinder said
! ~ Will come again. coon ~