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

The old mans look rested with satisfaction
upon Wainder's noble figure and countenance,
while he, deeply affected, bent his head, and
pressed the Professors hand to his lips.
"Now, children, how did you manage to sur
prise me in this way?" asked the Professor.
al consulted with Ferdinand and Manner
stedt dear uncle said Rosa, and then we all
three wrote to Hilda and Wallnder, who scce-
ded with Joy to our proposal and it was very easy
to manage, as they were to have been married
next month. Wallinder Immediately had their
banns published, one of his brother clergymen
took his duties, and now they are here, to enter
upon a life of happiness and peace, on the same
day as ourselves, and under the eyes of cur be
loved uncle"
"Your story, my child, travels at gallop,"
| rejoined the Professor; and, turning to Wallin-
der and Hilda, he added. 81 fear that this hour,
so full of JOY to me, has cost you both much
trouble. What said my brother and sister-in-
| law? Could they not come too?'
"They could not remain at home returned
| Hilda, pressing her uucle's hand to her lips
and fearful eyes; "they came with us, to he
present on the day Of their chidren's happi-
ness; and, still more. that they might receive
| some words of friendship from the lips which
have been mute to them so long, but which will
surely now speak the soothing words Of wei.
come to their longing ears"
| The Professor raised himself little. Are
| they here?' said he, tenderly. MY brother
where art thou, Hermann"
| Once more the door opened, and the brothers
were clasped to each others hearts. Mrs. Bor-
! genskOld stood trembling bv the pillow. until
Hilda approached her lips to her uncle's ear.
and whispered, in her imporing tone, Nam
MAJ The old man stretched his hand towards
her, and in low, but distinct voice, said -
g was too severe; forgive me, Elizabeth -
! and all hearts were once more united in sacred,
peaceful harmony. The day before the wed
ding, the Professor was so weak. that the physi-
clan scarcely considered il possible that he
could outlive the ceremony, which he had him.
self arranged; ard Lieutenant Borgenskold,
therefore, asked his brother if it might not be
performed that very evening; but, gently sha-
king his head, he declined any change in his
plans.
They were all around him, vieing with each
other in anticipating his lightest wish. Sweetlv
did he smile upon them all, but his smile ap.
peared sOitest and most tender when he looked
in Rosa's fearful eyes. He whispered to Wal
| Under
Brother, you will get an excellent wife /;
liilda is q treasure. She looks as Welding as
| wax, but her character is as firm as steel. |
have proved her; she has stood the test, where
most women would have wavered.'
. 81 know her worth, and truly viii guard
the prize which God has confded TO me-" re
piled Walllnder, gratefully pressing the old
mans hand Tor this eulogium upon his bride.
Towards midnight, the Professor wished them
all TO leave him but, as they implored him to
remain, he said, in a languid and scarcely au.
dible voice, " Remain, then, my children and
do thou, Mannerstedt, read"
He selected himself two paragraphs from the
Bible, and then one or two Of Walln's glo-
rous psalms. All was so calm, still, and
peaceful, in the chamber, and Mannerstedt' \
deep, full-toned voice toated through the space,
like spirit-breath announcing hope and bless
edness.
Towards morning, he slumbered for some
hours, and on Midsummer evening he felt bet
ter than for a long time or perhaps it was
only the Pickering Of the broken energies
which yet retained the trembling sparks Of life
for a few more hours.
At seven o'clock In the evening. ACCORDING
to his wish, he was carried into the hall. which.
prettly decorated with flowers, called to mind
the three-ioid soiemnity which was about to
take place. The three couples knelt, and re-
eelved the Priestly blessing on their union
There were no compliments, no solemn con.
gratulatons or speeches-all was still Aher
receiving SILENT fervent embrace from their
parents, the young pairs approached the bed
OF their paternal friend. The OLD man Law.
with heavenly smile upon his ashy Inns. his
hands folded in prayer, AMI his eyes fixed with
a look full Of deep and infinite affection upon
hls dear ones. With difficulty he separated
his hands, to extend them over them, and bless
them; the movement was his last. His arms
sunk powerless, the eyes closed forever. anu
around the Professors lifeless form kueeled
weeping the beings whose happiness he had
| promoted