The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-12-11
lowed by the words: "wbat do | see

Everybody was instantly cOnBt0fnlteQ
Theodore and Gretchen fell into eacI
others arms, and then separated, frightened
at what they had done. Moss, bis arm,
in the air, ran swiftly away, making tht
cry Of duck escaping in the reeds from {
dog. His harsh, nasNl voice soundct
farther and farther away, ylle had some,
thing to laugh about but Reebstock die
not laugh, and the artist, crushing his bat
in his hand, leaped over the fence aut
ran towards the orchard while Gretchen
trembling, closed her window quickly.
neighbors great dog, walked by the noise
barked and shook his chain.
Theodore walked the fields until morn.
ing, repeating as in dream, Gretchen,
Gretchen, ! love tbec!n Then, remem.
bering Gretchen's words, "ThGodore, dear
ThGOdoren he thought himself the happi-
est Of mortals.
About five o'clock he entered his own
house and vainly tried to sleep, US he
remembered that ReebStock had perhaps
recognized him, and might in future shut
his door to him. This thought gave him
great uneOsiness. The next day his sad
ness had much Increased. e nm the most
unhappy person in the wOrd,n he said.
"0ld Reebstock will certainly do some.
thing terrible. It may be | shall never
again sec Gretchen, II | could see her but
once more! But shall never dare even
to pass the house"
Descending the steps with his sad
thoughts Tor company, he walked slowly
along the street, his eyes fixed on the
yanc and the sign Of the brewery, which
he could see in the distance. Nothing
seemed to be changed. Everything went
on ms usual. The hertlsmen were passing
through the village, playing on their bag.
pipes, and followed by long line Of goats
and pigs; the young girls were going to
the fountain, their pitchers in their hands ;
and Kasper Moss, stretched out on bench
before the public house, slept quietly in
the sunshine.
Theodore gradually approached the brew
cry, his canvas on his arm. lie was pass
ing the door without daring to turn his
head, when lie heard loud voices calling,
"They arc calling me-" he said.
The windows Of the largo room were
open, and already good number were at
the tables the bourgomaster Wcinland,
with his great red facc, his large hat on
thcback Of his head, his heavy cane between
his legs; the tailor Zimmer,. in his grey
jacket, his nose bcsmcared with tobacco,
his green cap pulled over his cars; the
little barber SIitz, his pewter plato by the
side Of bis bottle, bis hair brushed up in a
pyramid in the old French fashion, his
loud voice sounding through tho room
these and many others. Old Berbel was
placing pans OF curdled milk behind the
stove, and great sheets Of sunshine, filled
with NOTES, covered the. tables and the
seats.
Theodore entered, much agitated. Father
ReebstocS in bis brown coat with great
steel buttons, was sitting near the clock,
facing the door. Gretchen, who. was look
ing out Of the window, dropped her eyes.
The men we're talking together. All
seemed ms usual. But the moment the
artist stepped over the door.sill, Rcebstock,
raising his arm towards him, cried ont,
Z" Monsieur Theodore, do you love my
daughter Gretchen ~
The young man felt himself turn pale.
He opened his lips to reply, but could not
speak word. Rccbstock repeated: "Do
you love my daughter Gretchen"
Everybody was aghast. Each one, his
glass in his hand, remained notionless,
looking first at Theodore, and then at
Gretchen, and then at the brewer. Finally
Theodore, his voice half chokGd by the
beating Of his heart, cried "lrI love her ~
He turned to Gretchen with look So
tender and pleading that the young girl
ran towards him, and throwing hcrselfinto
his arms, melted into tears.
The cid brewer burst into great laugh.
aha E! hu ha! | knew very well that
they loved each other,n lie said. at
wasn't me who needed to be told Of tt.n
All the others, seeing him laugh, cried
"Hal ha! Ia! he is smart, the old
Reebstock; he knows every thing
"Wcll," said the brewer, "since you
love her SO well, take her, take her tor
your wife; but stay with nc in my house."
Then as he sat down, he added in gravcr
tone, "you all understand They are to
be married in fifteen days"
And everybody replied, sin fifteen days
we will be at the wedding" All of which
was done. ... ...
We'll, Reebstocls had grandsons and
granddnughters whom he trotted on hi:
knees. Long afterward, when he was very
old, be said to his daughter and her hus.
band any children, remember one thing
We have heaven to thank that we are SC
happy. | heard the cock crow before the
morning; and looking out Of the window
saw Gretchen open her shutter. | was
getting very angry, when Providence whiS.
pered to me. 'Give your consent quickly,
for fear they will marry without it y"
Theodore and Gretchen admired the wis.
dom Of the old man, and thanked the good
Lord who governs everything here on the
earth as it plcnses him. ? S. NJ. f.