The prairie news. [volume] (Okolona, Miss.) 1851-1875, 1858-08-12

peared suspended in sympathetic me-
dium; she saw nothing, answered nobody
| in word, she instinctively assimilated
! herself to the mysterious being whose in
f1uence governed her. When Nautilus
leaned on his cane in walking, Ellen
seemed TO say, My arm would support
him SO we'll - -
The Jew, however, did net limp disa-
greeably his left leg was well formed,
and his symmetrical figure showed the
disturbance in its harmony to have been
the result of an accident. He had the
appearance of having long become recon-
ciled to his infrmity like soldier who
considers his wounds glorious evidence
of his devotion to his country.
had more than once felt tempted to
ask Malthus the history of his lameness ;
but he eluded with so much care every
approach to the subject, that / deemed
myself bound to respect his secret.
Two months passed thus, and had op-
portunity of appreciating all the right
mindedness, generosity and enlighten-
ment that dwelt in the accessible part of
that extraordinary soul. In the presence
of this dangerous rival, who triumphed
without struggle, the Baron became al
most tender. His sclf-love cruelty suf-
fered to see preferred to him lame mer-
chant, with fine voice. He sometimes
attemted to quiz him; but Malthus con-
founded him so completely by the apt
ness of his retorts, that the laughers were
never on the side of the Baron.
One night the family party was assem-
bled, Werter approached Mr.. Muller with
a suppliant air, and delivered to him a
letter from his father. The poor young
mans agitation made me suspect that
the letter contained proposal. Mr..
Muller read it with attention and handed
it to his wife, who rapidly glanced over
it and cast scrutinizing glance at her
daughter. to make sure whether or no
She was forewarned Of this step. A
mothers pride is always lattered under
such circumstances, and the first impulse
is generally favorable to the man who
has singled out the object of her dearest
affections; but the second thought is one
of prudence; a separation, the many
risks of the future, soon check the in
stinctive satisfaction of the maternal
heart, and thousand motives concur to
arrest the desired consent.
&c 1t We're we'll" she said, first to
know what Ellen thinks"
The words were like ray of light to
the poor girl, whose countenance ex-
pressed the utmost surprise.
Besides, he is very young" added
Mrs. Muller, loud enough for the Baron
to hear.
Werter's position was painful; he
stammered a few words, became embar-
rassed, and abruptly left the room.
a mere child" quoth the Baron,
who should be sent back to his books"
Malthus, who had observed all that
passed, rested his two hands on his stick,
like man disposed to argue the point,
and warmly defended the student
"t cannot be Denied" he said, in con-
clusion, 4" that the young mans choice
pleads in his favor; and his embarrass-
ment, which at that age is not unbeconl-
ing, proves, in my opinion, that, while
aspiring to so great a happiness, he has
sufficient modesty to admit himself un-
worthy of it,"
;" If declaration were sufficient
proof of merit" interrupted the counse-
lor, ~ know one man who would not
hesitate"
"And who is that?" inquired Mrs.
Muller, with ill-concealed curiosity.
Myself, madam" replied the coun-
selor-" Baron Won Moth"
BY the way in which this was spoken,
the dissyllable "myseJ" appeared length
ened by all the Importance of the per-
sonage.
eat my age men do not change" con-
tinued the Baron "and the present is a
guaranty for the future"
Ellen was really TO be pitied. When
Malthus took Werter's part, | saw that
she was on the point of fainting. Her
naturally so gentle, was
overshadowed by an expression of vexa-
ton and displeasure. She had taken the
Jews benevolent defense of the student
For mark of Indifference. While still
under the influence of this painful i'm
preston, the Baron's declaration came
10 add to her agitation; she cast re-
proachful glance at Malthus, sank back
n the chair, and swooned away. The
Jew sprang forward, took her in bis arms,
aid her on sofa, and knelt down be-
,ide her.
!" Yon have not understood me, then I" |
le exclaimed.
Ellen opened her eyes, and beheld at |
Ter feet the man whom her heart had Sc
ected; and, absorbed in her passion.
unconscious of the presence Of those who |
stood around, she murmered, in feeble |
1oice:
Yours! Yours alone lever yours T. !