The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-02-21


on the same day double wedding-yes, Manner
stedt and Rosa, Ferdinand and Caroline, shall
be united without superfluous ceremony in my
house-for | think these solemnities arsebest
as quiet as possible"
"But. for Heavens sake, my dear Professor"
urged Mrs. Widen, astonished, show can we
speak Of the wedding day? We have not even
had formal betrothal yet, or seen the bride
groom"
"As to the first" said old Ling, ain my
mind, the betrothal that has lasted two years
already is quite formal enough; and in answer
to the latter objection, the rector will be here
the day before Whitsuntide | have ordered
the rings, and they can exchange them, while
we old people drink a glass OF my Rhenish to
their prosperity; and then my wish is, to have
the banns published without any further delay,
and the wedding at midsummer. AS to the
last point, however, Mannerstedt has himself
no certainty as yet, merely distant hope. /
have already had some correspondence with an
old friend OF his parents, Counsellor Liver, and
ne mas promised me to have everything
| ranged during Mannerstedts absence that can
be necessary for the reception of the young
couple; and then, if Rosa should not find every
thing quite right she will have her little fund
in hand to supply her chance wants. Counsel
lor l.ifver has also procured six weeks leave for
the rector, which he will not learn until his sr-
rival here; and, in addition, he has managed a
second favor, which is by no means to be de-
splsed lie has hopes OF carrying a question.
which has been long time undecided, namely,
an increase of Mannerstedt's salary"
The good Professor thought it best to speak
out at once, in order to obviate all objections
on Madame Widens part and he fully attain
ed his object; for Madame as we already know,
was blessed with great discernment and now,
Ill i II 4
overjoyed at all and everything, and so weary
OF listening any longer, that she exclaimed,
perfectly satisfied
Let it be as our noble friend has arranged;
his exertions on Rosa's account have been so
great, that he deserves the privilege of having
the ceremony as he likes best. Widen, my
dear, feel quite sure that you agree with me
in this"
" Entirely, my dear Brigitta Marie" returned
her husband who was we'll satisfied TO gee the
affair so nicely settled, as once for all It was to
be. am content, and 80 both unite in hearty
thanks to cur good Brother Ling for all the
trouble and care which he has given himself
about the welfare of our family"
The Professor accepted the offered hand, and.
though he perceived the old iiend of pride still
possessed Mr. Widens mind, he took it all in
good part, and pretended not to see that his
thanks We're somewhat cold and artificial On
mammaa part, he found something so much
more natural, that, III acknowledgment. Madame
Widen received the first kindly shake of his
hand, during the whole of their long aeouaint.
ance.
Rosa could not find q proper moment to ex-
press her feelings until evening when she &C.
companied her dear old friend home; and when
they were once more seated on the little sofa in
the yellow room, she felt her heart lighter and
with unaffected emotion thanked him for his
infinite and abundant affection, so often proved
during the last year, and which had conducted
her to the most cherished happiness of her life
1t was high time, my child, replied the old
man, as, somewhat exhausted by his unusual ex-
ertons, he leaned languidly against the back of
the couch. "Old Ling must soon go to his rest !;
that he feels within himself; but YOU will some.
! times remember the old man, viii you not nv
girl2 and sometimes breathe sigh for him-one
tritiing aud solitary thorn amid the fresh roses
OF your exstenceY However, it will soon lose its
sharpness, and pass into still and silent long.
ing for perfection. But this, my love, we cannot
attain here; perfection is beyond the stars
alone"
Full of deep and holy sensations, Rosa bent
her knee, and placed the old mans meager,
withered hand upon her fearful eyes.
ooh, my father |" she deeply sighed, "the
thought of that time rends my heart, and nv
soul is filled with grief at the reflection that
to Caroline alone will it be permitted to close
these dear eyes, which would have kissed into
their last, long rest"
81 hope, my Rosa said he, with smile.
while he patted her cheek, pale with anxious
grief / hope, with Gods blessing you will not
have to carry away this little bit of envy with
you-I hope, and believe it."
ION, no, mob" cried Rosa, iRterupting him
with her sobs. Say no more, implore you
/ a thousand, thousand times rather will | Weld
all my sweet tilial duties TO Caroline, for well
know she will do them ample Justice"
Yes, my love, / believe so, too; but would
most desire, at that moment, to have you both
aye, all four-arOund nc. 1 could even wish
that my brother and his family, especially Hi
Ga, might be here. She is q good girl; and
! seest thou, Rosa, when one feels that the end
/ approaches-=when the last, long Journey is IT,
| he prepared for-all bitterness, every iridino
grudge, and all tho other unblessed FEELINGS Of
earth, are forgotten; one would fain forgive and
be forgiven; one feels an inward longing to
press to ones heart all those that are united by
the ties Of blood or friendship. however, we
must content ourselves with the thought alone,
as Y TanGot be otherwise"
| After pause, he resumed,
81 have written a lester 10 my brother and
to Hilda, which you will find among nv papers.
These you shall send them, with the letter that
announces my death. / have thought of Hill
da, too; she and thou, my child have an equal
portion and then, with the exception o. q sri
fling token of friendship to Mannerstedt, and
the same to my poor Lrother, the rest will be-
long TO Ferdinand; and, with Gods blessing.
/ / trust that you will all be satisfied with nv
arrangements"
Rosa could not reply. Tho bitter thoughts
that filled her hear. al the idea of the dear old
man's death, pierced deeply into her soul, and
words failed her; she could only weep.
"And now, my daughter, you must 90 home"
said the Professor, who saw her grief with warm
sympathy, without the power TO soothe it. al
have need of repose, and you, too, must go to
bed, and dream of Mannerstedt."
Rosa arose, once more kissed the old mans
hand, and then went TO summon Madame Brun
The next morning, when Rosa visited her old
friend, she found Ferdinand in the greatast nm.
easiness and anxiety, sitting upon the bed on
which the old man lay. The Professor com
planned OF no actual illness, but he was weaker.
more languid than usual; and each time that
Rosa came, she found hin, failing still more.
tie was, however, able to sit up more than half
the day and the thought of Mannerstedt's arri-
val, which was speedily expected, filed him
with Joy; and the circumstances connected with
his coming for time reinvigorated the powers
which were now, alas forever broken.
DELEGATES TO THE PIrTsBuRGH CONVENTION
We learn that the Republican caucus at An.
gusta, Thursday evening, selected the follow;n,
gentlemen TO represent Maine in the PITTSBURGH
Convention, the 22d instant:
I)pIponlee NJ