Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-05-21
PARIS, MAINE, FRIDAY, MAY II. 1869.

The words were Ike ray Of light to
the poor girl, whose countenance express
cd the utmost surprise.
"Besides he is very young" added
Mrs. Muller, loud enough for the baron
to hear.
Werter's position was painful he stam-
mered o few words, became embarrassed,
and abruptly lett 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.
1T cannot be denied" he said. in con.
clusion, ''that the young mans choice
pleads in his favor; and his embarass-
ment, which at that age is not unbecom.
ing, proves, in my opinion, that, whilst
aspiring to so great happiness, he has
sufficient modesty to admit himself un-
worthy of it,"
IF a declaration were q sufficient
proof of merit" interrupted the council
lor, II know ono man who would not
hesitatc,"-
"And who is that ?" inquired Mrs. Null
Ter, with ill-concealed curiosity.
Myself madam, " replied the council
lor-"Baron Won Moth"
BY the way in which this was spoken,
the dissyllable myself" appeared length
ened by all the Importance of the person
age.
AT my age men do not change" con
tinued the baron; "and the present is n
guarantee for the future"
Ellen was really to be pitied. When
Nautilus took Werter's part, saw that
she was on the point Of iainting. Her
countenance, naturally SO gentle, was
ovcrshadowed by an expression Of vexa-
ton and displeasure. She had taken the
Jews benevolent defence of the student
for mark of Indifference. Whilst still
under the influence of this painful i'm.
preston. the baron's declaration came to
add 10 her agitation; she cast reproach-
full glance at Malthus. sank back in her
chaic, and swooned away. The jew
sprang forward. took her in his arms,
laid her on a sofa, and knolt down beside
her
..You have not understood me then 3''
he exclaimed.
Ellen opened her eyes and beheld at
her feet the man whom her heart had Sc
lected; and, absorbed in her passion. un-
conscious of the presence of those who
stood around, she nurmured, in feeble
voice
Yours Yours alone!- ever yours"
..Sir." said Malthus to Mr.. Muller, ''my
proposal comes rather late; but l hope
you will be so good as to take it into con-
sideration.n
In the Jews manner there was the dig
nity of man in position to dictate con-
ditions. Ellen had recovered herself. AS
TO Mr.. Muller, there had not been time
for his habitual phlegm to become dis
turbed; but his wife could not restrain
n smile mt this dramatic complication
whose denouement remained in sus-
pense.
"Mr. Y" said she to me, somewhat
maliciously. "do you not feel the effect
of example ?"
Perhaps might have been unable to
resist, replied, .'had not Mr.. Malthus
declared himself before me-"
Ellen blushed, and the Jew pressed my
hand. just then Werter re-entered the
room, pale and downcast, like man
who comes to hear sentence passed upon
him. There was profound silence. which
lasted several minutes, or mt least seemed
to me to do so. At last Mr.. Muller broke
it.
..Gentlemen,n he said, IL am much
battered by the homer you have done
me-
He paused, and seemed to be recalling
past events to his mind. During this
short silence, Werter gazed at us in as
tonishment, and l doubt not that he inclu-
ded me in the number Of his rivals.
Il have something to tell you,' contin-
ued Mr.. Muller, (which will perhaps
modify your present intentions. About
ten years ago had to visit Berlin, where
my father had just died. The winding
up of his affairs proved complicated and
troublesome, and | was Obliged to place
nv interests in the hands of lawyer
who had been recommended to me as ex-
tremely skilful. The business at last set
tied, found myself entitled to about for
ty thousand horins which ! proposed to
embark in trade. Twas happily married,
and Ellen was seven years old. Our lit
tie fortune had been greatly impaired by
a succession Of losses, for which this in
heritance would compensate.
One day went to my lawyers TO re-
ceive the money. He had disappeared
taking it with him. Despair took pos
session of me; l dared not impart the Ia
tai news to my wife, and, l confess 1t
with shame, determined on suicide. All
that day rambled about the country. and
at nightfall approached tbsbanks OF the
Spree. Climbing upon the parapet OF a
high bridge, gazed with gloomy delight
into the dark waters that rolled beneath.
~nu