The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1858-06-05

monosyllables, as ifshe disdained to expend
more words and intelligence upon details so
entirely material. He bowed politely to the
ladies, glanced smilingly at the furniture of
the room, round which he twice walked, as
If in token Of taking possession, and then
installed himself in an armchair. This
pantomime might have been translated thus:
"Here am; look ut me once for all, and
then heed me no more" Mr.. Malthus--
that was the Jews name-had decided
limp in his gait; he was man of the mid
die height; and of decent bearing; his hair
was neglected; but phrenologist would
have read world of things in the magnifi-
cent development of his forehead. as
The conversation became general. Mr..
Malthus spoke little, but as soon as he open-
ed his mouth everybody was silent. This
apparent Difference proceeded perhaps as
much from desire to discover his weak
points, as from politeness towards the new
conner. -
The Jew had one of those penetrating and
sonorous voices whose tones seem to reach
the very soul, and which impart to words
inAexions not less varied than the forms of
thought. He summed up the discussions
logically and lucidly; but it was easy to see
that, out Of consideration for his interlocu-
tors, he abstained from putting forth his
whole strength.
The conversation was Intentionally led to
religious prejudices: at the first words
spoken on this subject, the jews counte-
nance assumed a sublime expression. He
rose at once to the most elevated consider
ations; it was easy to see that his imagina-
tion found itself in familiar sphere. He
wound up with so pathetic and powerful q
peroration, that Ellen, yielding to SYM
pathetic impulse, made an abrupt movement
towards him. Their two souls mad met, and
were destined mutually to complete each
other.
Isaid to myself, that Jew will be Ellen's
husband.
Then applied myself to observe him
more attentively. When Mr.. Malthus was
not strongly moved and animated, he was
but an ordinary man, nevertheless, by the
expression Of his eyes, which seemed to
look within himself, one could discern that
he was internally pre-occuped with some
Of those lofty thou ghts identified with su-
perior minds. Some celebrated authors
were spoken Of; he remained silent. Baron
Won Moth leant over towards me and said,
in low voice. cit seems that our new
acquaintance is not literary"
81 should be surprised at that" replied:
"and, what is more, would lay wager
that he is musical" The baron drew back
with movement of vexation, and, as if to
test my sagacity, he asked Ellen to sing
something. The amiable girl begged him
to excuse her, but without putting forward
any Of those small pretexts which most
young ladies would have invented on the
instant. Her mothers authority was need
ed to vanquish her instructive resistance
Her prelude testified to some unwonted agi-
tation; its first notes reused the Jew from
his reverie; soon she recovered herself, and
her visible emotion did but add fresh
charm to the habitual expression Of her
singing.
Suddenly she stopped, declaring that her
memory failed her.
Then, to our astonishment, rich and har-
monious voice was heard, and Ellen con-
tinued, accompanied by the finest tenor
ever listened to in my life.
The baron bit his lips; Werter was pale
with surprise. The warmest applause fol-
lowed the conclusions of the beautiful duet.
| Malthus had risen from his chair. and
seemed entirely under the spell of harmony.
! He gave some advice to Ellen, who listened
to him with avidity; he even made her re-
peat passage, which she afterwards sang
with admirable expression. He took her
hand, almost with enthusiasm, and exclaim-
ed, 81 thank youp'
every odd indeed" said the baron. Poor
Werter said nothing, but went and sat him.
self down, very pensive, at the further end
of the drawing room.
Mrs. Muller was radiant at her daughter
success. As to Ellen, she merely said in a
low voice
"If had instructions; ! should perhaps
be able to make something of music"
"Wlth your mothers permission," re oin-
ed Nautilus, 81 shall have pleasure in some
times accompanying you"
Mrs. Muller cast a scrutinizing glance at
! the Jew, whose countenance, which had re-
sumed its habitual calmness, showed moth
ing that could excite her suspicious. She
Judged that such man was not at all dan
! gerous, and accepted his offer. Malthus
bowed with cold dignity-doubtless appre-
ciating the motive of this contidence-and
Ellen struck few notes, to divert atten-
! ton from her embarrassment.
| The baron, who sought vent for his i'll
humor, said to the young girl, pointing to
the Jews stick
off anything should halt in the accom-
paniment, there is what will restore the
measure.o
Ellen rose, cast a look at the baron, which
meant, "One meets people like you every.
where," and left the room. Malthus took
up newspaper, and read until We seperat-
ed for the night.
The Jew led the regular life Of aman
who knows the value of time. He worked
until noon, paid or received few visits,
went upon 'Change about two O'Clock, then
shut himself up in his apartment and was
visible to nobody, and at precisely four
O'Clock, entered Mr.. Muller's room, where
Ellen awaited him at the piano. 1t was
easy to see that he daily assumed a greater
ascendancy over the mind of his pupil,
whose progress was rapid.
When Nautilus smiled, Ellen's charming
countenance assumed an indescribable ex-
preston of satisfaction; but as soon as he
relapsed into his habitual thoughtful mood,
the poor girls soul appeared suspended in
a sympathetic medium; she saw nothing,
answered nobody;-in word, she instinc-
lively assimlated herself to the mysterious
being whose influence governed her. When
Malthus leaned on his cane in walking, FL
len seemed to say, "Aiy arm would support
him so well!''
The Jew, however, did not limp Disagree
ably; 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