The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-02-28

TO him who has prepared for us this overflow
OF happiness; our feelings now belong to him."
Hand in hand they flew to the old man, and,
kneeling beside him. clasped his hands, and |
pressed them to their hearts in mute emotion,
while their tears of JOY fell like wholesome dew
upon the old mans heart.
"Now Children now collect yourselves; wasn't |
that a surprise, Rosa, my girl; had you even
suspicion of it?"
"No, dearest uncle, only an infinite desire |
for it, replied she, laughing, turning her beam
ing look upon her love, whose arm encrcled |
her, and once more papa Ling and the whole |
world were forgotten; they saw but each other, |
and every thought and feeling seemed to stand |
still-their whole soul was in their eyes
However, Captain Ferdinand soon arrived |
and, after having for some few seconds regard |
ed the mute yet expressive group, he approach.
ed and interrupted their dreams of bliss with
his lively tests
At eleven o'clock, Frank went with the Cap
tain to pay his respects to his future parents-in-
law. Gladly would the Professor have accom-
panied them; but, alas, he was no LONGER able to
leave his room. He had, however, managed to
prepare the way so judiciously, that he knew
that Mannerstedt would be received with ioy
and sincere affection.
Rosa had shortly before returned home. to in
form her parents of Franks arrival.
Mr.. Widen walking up and down the
room at great pace. He would have given
anything to have been able to get the confound.
ed tight coat and short trowsers out of his head:
for the rest he trusted to be able to reconcile
himself with a good grace to the son.in-law
that fate had sent him.
/ Madame Widen was seated in her most grace
full and gracious posture upon the sofa, quite
ready to receive and welcome her old favorite,
that she really thought of with pleasure as a
son. Hark We, Rosa, my love, tell me a little
about 1t; IS he as pretty and as amiGble as
ever?"
"Yes," replied Rosa; "he il, in truth, hand
some! far handsomer than he ever was: and
as to his grace and amiability, mamma shall
Judge for hersef-there he comes with Fcrdi-
nand." The gentlemen entered, and, with an
important mien, the Merchant advanced to
meet his future son-in-law.
"Now, my DEAR at these well-remembered
words, an old recollection would recur to Man
nerstedts mind and he expected that the old
words would follow: now, my dear candidate
will you not, &c; but instead of that, it was.
"Now, my dear Rector Mannerstedt, you are
welcome, welcome to my home, as friend and
son. The Professor has arranged everything,
and so we will have no further ceremony or
long speeches about the matter" And the Mer-
chant embraced the young man quite paternally.
Mannerstedts exterior, his whole manner and
bearing, made pleasing impression upon him,
and with evident kindness and good will he led
him to his wife
"Why Mannerstedt, my dear boy" cried
Madame Widen, between bows and smiles,
how stately, and manly, and goOd-lookng, you
have grown. Heavens how singular is the
course of this world especially in matrimony-
however, We will not speak of that. God bless
And the lady bent forward and pressed kiss
upon the forehead Of the deeply blushing groom,
as she added, with real maternal tenderness
my son, my Frank, have | not always loved
your"
Madame Widen had never been so unaAect,
ed 80 true, since her own bridal day.
Mannerstedt respectfully kissed her hand and
his heart swelled with the purest human happi-
ness.
my kind, my dear mother, forever will your
infinite goodness, your kindly, disinterested
care for me, ever dwell in my heart, and no
change cen ever obhteTate ii from my memory
! On the evening of the same day, the whole
family assembled at the Professors, where the
rings we're exchanged. However, on the sec
ond fete day, Madame Widen would have her
own way, and the betrothal was announced
| again at brilliant party, at which the guests
remarked that Miss Widen looked qnite an
other being than at her first betrothal No one
who saw her now could for an instant doubt
that she was happy bride, which, on the for
| mer occasion, was a matter of much doubt in
the opinion Of many.
Mannerstedt was delighted with the intelli
gence of his six weeks leave; and still more
was he charmed to learn from his future pa
rents that the wedding should be solemnized
during his stay at Il. ST. Johns day had
calo b,-,b o g. IL.
and it was to be very quie. aud private, in his
own house, and in the presence of none but the
nearest relatives. AS the time approached, the
Professor grew worse and worse and at last
was not able to leave his bed.
The Crown Bailif, Ahlnark, SIS well IS Mr..
Widen, urgently requested that the ceremony
might take place at one of their houses, but in
vain. He would not allow it. The old gentle.
man would have himself carried out upon his
sofa into the hall, that he might see the union
with his own eyes. No one ventured to con-
tradict him; and all the preparations were
made for the fullilment of his wish and the
only point of comfort in the mind of Madame
Widen, as well as Madame Ahlmark, was the
thought of the wedding fete which they were to
give the next day.
Since Mannerstedt's arrival, there had been
frequent and lively consultations between him,
the Captain, Rosa, and Caroline Letters were |
despatched and answers received, which evil |
IDENTITY contained mystery, for they were never
opened in the presence Of the Professor. At
last, however, Widen and HE wife we're let into
the secret; and then there was routing, and
turibiing, and ordering, in the great chambers.
from which it might be concluded that s.ran
gers were expected
Il should like TO Know what all this means" |
said the Professor. Il have told YOU. children. |
that l will have all quiet; and vet | see. this
evening particularly, that you are all excited. !
and running about as if you had quicksilver in |
your veins. Now, seat yourselves nicely down |
here with rae, and be quiet, for all this will not
make the matter either more solemn or sacred" |
The engaged pairs now looked at each other |
IN some embarrassment. 1t was clear that they |
had something on their hearts and not With. |
out uneasiness did they glance towards the |
library, where tall manly form and grace.
ful female figure might be seen, by turns,
through the halfopen door.
The Professor had observed. with his formar
qulckness, their emotion, and their continued |
gances towards the door; his eyes followed the
direction of theirs, and, with voice which be.
trayed his excited expectation, he eagerly asked.
"vho is moving in the library?"
All were silent. Mannersteat alone stood
forward; "My dearest father" said he, Eve
have ventgred to anticipate a wish which we
could not but believe had place in your heart.
lou are not angry with us for it?"
All, now l know it !" replied the old man.
with a smile of satisfaction playing upon his
pale lips. God bless you, children. for the
happiness you have prepared for me; let them
come in"
Rosa quickly opened the door, and beckoned /
to the persons who were awaiting her .rDor,ora