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

of expressions and an elevation of views
that would have astonished me in a man
of his station in any country but Ger
many.
Sometimes Ellen would sit down to
the piano, and sing some of those single
and beautiful melodies in which the ten
derness, the gravity, and the piety of the
German national character seem to min
gle. Then conversation ceased every
countenance expressed profound atten-
ton; and each listener, as if he were as
sisting at a religious service, translated
the accents of that universal language
according to his sympathies, his associa-
tions and the habitual direction of his
ideas.
| was not long in perceiving that Bar
on Won Moth and young student named
Werter were particularly sensible to Ell
lens charms and merit. In the Baron,
a middle-aged man, there was mixture
of dignity and eagerness which betrayed
an almost constant struggle between
pride and the energy of a strong passion.
1t is between the ages of thirty and forty
that the passions have most empire over
us. AT that period of life the character
is completely formed; and as we well
know what we desire, so do we strive to
attain our end with all the energy of a
perfect organization.
Werter was little more than nineteen
years old. He was tall, fair and melan-
choly. | am persuaded that love had re-
vealed itself to the young student by the
intermediation of the musical sense. |
had more than once watched him when
Ellen sang. A sort of fever agitated
him he isolated himself in corner Of
the room, and there in mute ecstacy, the
poor boy inhaled the poison of love.
/ The pretensions of Efleh's two admi-
lla4Ners manifested themselves by attentions
of very different kinds, and in which were
displayed their different natures. The
Baron brought Mrs. Muller tickets for
concerts and theatres. Often at the de-
sert, be would send fer delicious Hunga-
rian wine, in which he drank the health
of the ladies, slightly inclining his head
to Ellen as if he would have said-zI bow
to you alone. Werter would ste,F thily
place upon the piano a new ballad, wa
volume of poetry; and when the young
girl took it up, his face flushed and bright
ened as if the blood were about to burst
from it. Ellen smiled modestly at the
Baron, or gracefully thanked the student;
but she seemed not to suspect that which
neither of them dared to tell her
An attentive observer of all that pass
ed, | did my utmost to read Elen's heart,
and decide as to the future chances of
the Baron's or the students love. She
was passionately fond of narratives and,
thanks to the wandering life l had led, |
was able to crafty this taste. ! noticed
that traits of generosity and noble de-
VI tion produced an extraordinary effect
upon her. Her eyes sparkled as though
she would fain have distinguished. thro'
time and space, the hero of a noble ac-
ton; then tears moistened her beautiful
lashes, as reflection recalled her to the
realities of life. | understood that nei-
ther the Baron nor Werter was the man
to win her heart; they were neither of
them equal to her. Had / been ten years
younger, l think should have been vain
enough to enter the lists. But another
person, whom none would at first have
taken for a man capable of feeling and
inspiring strong passion, was destined
to carry off the prize.
One night that we were assembled in
the drawing room, one of the habitual
visitors to the house presented to us a
Jew. who had just arrived from Lem
berg, and whom business was to detain
for some months at Vienna. In few
words, Mr.. Muller made the stranger ac-
quainted with the rules and customs of
the house. The Jew replied by mono
syllables, as if he disdained to expend
more words and intelligence upon details
so entirely material. He bowed politely
to the ladies, glanced smiingly 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 at me once for all, and then
heed me no more" Mr.. Malthus-that
was the Jews name-had decided limp
in his gait; be was man Of the middle
hight, and Of decent bearing his hair
was neglected; but phrenologist would
have read world of things in the mag
nifcent development Of his forehead.
The conversation became general
Mr.. Nautilus spoke little, but as soon as
he opened his mouth everybody was 81
lent. This apparent Difference proceeded
perhaps as much from desire to discov-
er his weak points, as from politeness to-
ward the newcomer.