The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-02-21
WASHINGTON D. c., THuRsDAY, FEBRUARY 81 1856

eyes, yes, that ] can readily believe; but I
fear that Madame Widen has slightly deceived
herself as to the exact nature of those feelings
of benevolence. Mistakes, however, are mat
tiers of every day occurrence, and so we will
pass it by"
And the old mans lips seemed to curl. as if
he would have laughed heartily. However.
something more kindly and respect-inspiring,
and which denoted that the business was now
beginning to be serious, lay in the tone with
which he resumed.
lou probably remember that when | pro-
posed to aid Brother Widen to re-establish his
credit, | at the same time mentioned that Rosa
probably declined Gardens offer, because her
heart had already made another choice"
"Ah-yes-yes, of course-true " put in
Madame Widen, eagerly. al have continually
thought of that for the last two years. Is the
hour come in which this mystery is to be sov-
ed?"
Yes" replied the Professor, "the hour has
really come, and he to whom Rosa's feelings
have long been exclusively devoted, now,
through me, entreats her kind parents to be-
stow upon him her hand"
And who in Heavens name is he then ?r
exclaimed, simultaneously, both Mr.. Widen and
his wife.
Oio"iy, anu WIN linpreSSlVeneSS IN MS tone,
the old man spoke:
This young man, who is DESTROYS of becom-
ing your son, and who will devote himself with
the warmest and most ilial affection to the
parents of his Rosa. and who is so worthy of
her, that were she my own daughter, I should
bestow her upon him among hundreds
L would select him before every one living, for
her husband. This young man is the master
OF philosophy and rector of the school at b,
Mr., Frank Mannerstedt"
The Merchant appeared struck dumb, and
his wife drawled out. in a tone of surprise
Ma, Ma, Mannerstedt2"
The poor teacher in the garnet !" exclaim-
ed Widen, gradually recovering from his aston
ishment my good brother is pleased to jest
with u.s."
"Jest " reioined the Professor, with dark
ening glance. 81 as little lest now as | did
when | visited my friend, Mr.. Widen, with my
former proposal. What / say, say and stand
to; and Frank Mannerstedt, not the poor mas
ter in the garrett, but the young rector of B.
who has lucrative Office, which will in time
lead to living, is, most of all men, worthy o
Rosa. Besides, he will receive portion from
me, which will put him in a condition to make
his house most agreeable home for his young
wife"
WI. w lueH silent: UH0 Olu SlumDpr
ing but never-forgotten pride begun anew tc
raise its voice within; but his lips remained
closed until he heard his wifes opinion Of the
matter.
Mannerstedt had always been a favorite with
Madame Widen, and the thought of again see
ing the amiable and modest youth, ana call
ing him son, filled her with real pleasure; and
the more so, as she heard he could offer his
wife decent maintenance. And, if the Pro
lessor gave Rosa a portion besides. there was
not the slightest difficulty in her eyes-there
fore, she went off at once into the cordial ex
pressions-
"What, he, that dear boy, that regard with
Q mothers love Yes; my very good Professor
Ling, will receive him as son with the great
est pleasure. All, what a handsome pair he and
Rosa will make But only to think that / should
never even have dreamed of it, who am gen.
orally so sharp-sghted in such matters But, Wi
den, old man, what is the matter with you ? You
look so dissatisfied. | trust this choice does
not displease you. All, my goodness, could ]
ever have imagined it?"
Mr.. Widen saw at once that objections would
be Of no use, when he had the Professor and
his own wife in opposition, particularly when
Rosas imploring looks were thrown as allies
into the balance; and they would not be want
ing, no doubt. Another reason for complying
was the fear of losing the friendship of the old
man, who had been of so much use to him. His
answer was therefore most conciliatory.
What my good Brother Ling decides upon,
or, apparently, has already decided upon, for
Rosa's future prospects, has my entire appro-
baton, though | must confess that Manner
stedt's figure, in his tight, short coat, With the
ndde under his chin, standing before the music
desk will rDU mind Hn.uauar y bo
added, as he caught sight of the Professors
contracting eyebrows, {" have no manner of
doubt that, since he has graduated and been
ordained, and has got into Office, his exterior,
in one respect as well as another, will CORES.
pond to everything else, toI Our young master
CT the garnet was most undeniably very pref
ty fellow. But where is Rosa? We must send
for her, and see how she likes the idea of being
BRIDE
And, with these words, he went himself to his
daughters room, and led the too happy kosa
to the Professor, saying
Now, my child, tell us if things really are
as your old friend asserts. Have you in very
truth loved this young music master for sever
al years? And is it the dearest wish of your
heart to become the Lady Pastor Of the little
town of B-2" ~
Yes, dear papa, God knows it is. know
no higher, dearer WISH" answered Rosa, clear
ly and decidedly, as she bent over and kissed
her fathers hand, "No, no higher wish have
j." she repeated, ethan to share Mannerstedts
lot, be it good or evil, for my heart has been
his from the moment when, as a suppliant he
crossed my fathers Threshold yes, since then
have loved him, and my life is bound up III
his" 'i =. -
snow, my love-" said Widen, laughing, and
turning to his wife, "just come here, and tell
me now that Rosa does not understand what
love is? but, my daughter, answer one ques-
ton, beg If you have loved Mannerstedt so
long, why did you accept the Captain when he
paid his addresses ?"
"For this reason, my dear father-that then
esteemed it the most improbable of all things,
that | could ever hope to De united to him
whose image dwelt in my heart; and | gave
Ferdinand my promise, because it was matter
OF indifference to me who received it, as long
as he was a man of HONOR
However, my dear Rosa, when your thoughts
took such complying tone, why, then, did you
not accept Mr.. Gardens proposals on the same
ground2"
ooh, papa, things had changed then. Our
poverty had then famiiarized me with the idea
that might possibly see my secret wishes real
lied; and when Mannerstedt came, on the even
ing of the LIST of February, to take leave, and
neither papa or mamma could see him-oh,
what should | say more?-then our feelings found
words, and he received the promise of my
faith"
"What, what do you say, girl2" broke out
her mother, incapable of keeping silence any
longer, gladly as she would have heard more
so you have been engaged to Mannerstedt more
than two years, and without your parents con-
sent or knowledge. Heavens, how ungrateful
children are. You, who had such q kind and
tender mother, could yet deny her your conf
dence. No, Rosa, never could l have believed