could not but regard with veneration and respect; but a young and handsome soldier more especially attracted her attention. To a fine form he united the most insinuating manners; he was gentle, agreeable, lively, and, to crown all, a most charming dancer. Her heart became susceptible of feelings to which it was before a stranger; they filled her soul with intense delight, and the only thing that surprized her was, that such attractions should have been found combined in any individual who was neither a prince nor a count!
No words are so forcible or intelligent as the looks which excite the sympathy of a sincere attachment. A verbal explanation did not take place for some time; but each party could divine the other’s thoughts; and the affection of Frederick Wiemar and Emily Seigmund was as well understood, as though the most ardent professions of love had been exchanged.
As their intimacy increased, Emily could not but feel desirous of knowing something of her lover’s family and prospects; but she had too much delicacy to refer to a subject on which he was silent, and she listened with attention to the conversation of his brother officers, in the hope that something might transpire on this subject; but in this particular her wishes were not gratified; every one praised him as a brave officer and amiable man, but his history seemed to be known to no one.
The Countess was at this time so immersed in the care of providing amusements for her numerous guests, that she had not leisure to devote much attention to her daughter, or the state of her child’s heart could not have been concealed from her watchful eye. Entertainment followed entertainment; and in this round of pleasure our lover soon found an opportunity of declaring his passion to his mistress, and had the happiness of receiving her vows in return. But in the midst of the delirium of early affection, they could not help sometimes shuddering at their future prospects. The return of spring they knew would recall the army to the field, and the period of their separation was therefore quickly approaching.
Consultations were held by the lovers, as to the best means of keeping up an intercourse by correspondence. Emily informed Wiemar of her mother’s sentiments as to the choice of a husband for her, and mentioned the improbability that her pride would yield in a single point to her maternal affection.
A hundred various schemes were alternately fixed upon and rejected, as the difficulties of each preponderated in their minds; and the dread of losing Emily for ever, induced her lover to urge an elopement with him. To this proposition she returned a decided negative; but when the period of parting arrived, and she felt that she might be sacrificing herself to a life of misery and despair, she promised that, should no fortunate circumstance occur to induce her mother to sacrifice her love of rank to her daughter’s happiness, she would finally consent to leave her father’s roof for the protection of a husband’s arms. This was the utmost which Frederick could extort from his mistress, and the only subject for consideration which now remained, was the method of escape from the strongly guarded Castle, and the scrutinizing vigilance of the Countess, which they well knew would be redoubled upon the departure of Wallenstein’s army.
