The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-02-28
CHAP XXIV.
Tn e Meetin g.

CHAP. XXIv.
The Meeting.
Some few days before Whitsuntide, Manner
stedt left B. 1t would be fruitless to en-
deavor to anslyze his feelings; they can be I'M
derstOod by those only, who, after a long and
arduous pilgrimage over the thorny paths of
poverty and selfdenial, at length find them
selves at the goal Of long-cherished though
far-distant hope.
AS he swiftly travelled over the road to H,
his thoughts were filled with the past the by
gone period when he stood on the rich Mer-
chants threshold, as poor music master, and
had afterwards risen into favor, until he became
kind of family friend. The evening when
Rosa gave him the pledge Of her faith and love
stood out Ike bright, beaming star in the
heaven of his existence, and lighted him on
ward to the place where his heart had fingered,
during the past years, with longing and love.
The Professor had sedulously concealed the
exact day of Mannerstedts arrival, in spite of all
Rosa's entreaties to be allowed to know it. 1t
was already past midnight when Frank, in con-
sequence of his old friends invitation to reside
with him, drove up to the Professors house.
Madame Brun, who was prepared for his arri-
val, came down and received him, and on the
stairs he was met by the Captain, who, in his
dressing gown and slippers, rushed out to meet
and give him a fraternal embrace and the two
young men then returned arm in arm, to the
hall.
ave must be very quiet" whispered Ferdi-
nand, for uncle is weak, and has just gone to
sleep; and so it will be best to go into my room,
and Madame Brun will be good enough to pro-
vide us with some refreshment there"
The Captain led the way, softly followed by
Mannerstedt. When they had entered an ele.
giant, and considering that it was in Professor
Ling's house, even a luxurious chamber, Fer
dinand once more offered his guest his hand,
cordially saying
"Welcome heartily, my dear Rector, but
should not have recognised you," added he,
holding the candle nearer TO Msnnerstedt, and
noting with establishment, how the handsome,
slender STRIPPING had grown into fine, athletic
man, whose noble and pleasing features were
in perfect harmony with the dignity which dis.
dress, the little half caftan, which fell in grace
full folds about his well-proportioned figure, and
became him so well, gave Mannerstedt's some
what pale countenance, which was now shaded
by dar'-. well-trimmed whiskers, a new and Pc
culiar charm.
Once II IRE Ferdinand exclaimed, "Why, how
the gentleman has changed for the better ! A"
Mannerstedt laughed, and replied that he
thought the same of the Captain.
GLOW absurd in us to stand here compli.
menting each other,' said Ferdinand let us
leave that to our Brides who best understand
how to appreciate at our worth even if they
do not let us know it."
"Ah, if il were only morning. sighed Man
narstedt.
Patience" admonished the CAPTAIN: we
must endeavor to pass a few hours by our
selves, and here to begin" SO saying, he drew
the cork of bottle of foaming champagne.
"Let us drink to the health of our lovely girls
but, no; first the toast of welcome and fraterni-
ty, for Captain and Rector are too stiff for us,
who alike revere father in my excellent old
uncle, and are regarded by him as sons"
"Very true" rejoined Mannerstedt, taking
his glass; and drinking.
land so now, my friend and brother" said
the Captain. "Now it is our ladies' turn long
life to the dear girls; may they prove pattern
wives, and make us most fortunate husbands"
May we be pattern husbands, and make
them the happiest of wives" moved Manner
stedt, as an amendment, and emptied his sec
ond glass.
With all my heart" TESTED Ferdinand,
"that will do quite as well; but, to speak can,
didly, think the FIRST was the best"
And now Madame Rrun brought in the sup
per, and the first beams Of day were already
greeting the world, while the young men we're
still at the table, glass in hand.
mo, Ferdinand" said Mannerstedt, as he
pushed back the bottle which the Captain, for
the fifth time, pressed upon him. "No, we
must really stop, and get couple of hours
sleep. | am not accustomed to enjoy myself
so freely, and shall be i'll if you make me drink
any more"
"Qh, only one more glass; here's to the hon.
Or OF Our noble old gentleman, to the happiness
and veal of his last days. Come, Mannerstedt,
you will not refuse to drink that toast?"
We have already drank it twice, but i. we'll !
deserves to be drank a third .ime and now,
Ferdinand, net another drop. No, by Heaven,
not another drop. Good night"
"Well, well; must have compassion on you
then, poor fellow" laughed the Captain. The |
chairs were pushed back, and the young gen.
tlemen sought their beds.
Towards nine o'clock on the morrow, Rosa |
entered the Professors apartment. The old |
man was dressed, and lying upon the sofa, and
was trying smoke his morning pipe, but was
too weak, and it would not do.
GLOW are you to-day, uncle?" asked Rosa,
kindly bending down to receive the CID mans
usual salute.
"Well, we'll, my child, but so, so only wait
for Mannerstedt."
"Ah, and /, said Rosa, in tone express
i've of the greatest impotence, 81 am very anx-
ious to see hipi-the hours grow into days, and
days into eternities"
$50 it is, my love, when one is young, and |
the blood runs fresh and warm in our veins
but now go to my room and fetch the book
which you usually read me; we must make use
of every expedient to practice ourselves in pa
tience." Yes, and in truth there is good need
of it, thought Rosa, as she opened the door,
and, with e Wild cry Of JOY, fell into Manner,
stedts outstreched arms, and was pressed to
his throbbing heart.
After few moments, the Professors voice
was heard, calling them, "Come in here, my
children, that may see you"
The voice of their earthly guardian angel
awakened the happy pair to life and reality
Idol of my soul, my beloved Rosa :" said
Mannerstedt as he regarded With upspeakabs