National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1871-12-08
wed by the words; "What do | see

, lowed by the words; "What do | 80
| here ~
, Everybody was instantly constelnateo
Theodore and Gretchen fell into eac
others arms, aud then separated, irightene,
at what they had done, Moss, his arm
IN the air. ran swiftly away, making Tia
cry OF duck escaping IN the reeds from
dog. His harsh, nasal voice soundc,
farther and farther away. He had some
thing TO laugh about but Reebstuck die
not laugh, and the artist, crushing his ha
IN his hand, leaped over the fence anc
IAN towards the orchard while Gretchen
trembling, closed her window quickly 4
neghbor's 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 thee m Thru, reinem.
bering uretcnen's words, "Theodore, dear
| Theodore " he thought himself the happi
| est oi mortals
! About five o'clock he entered his own
house and vainlv tried TO sleep, ms he
| remembered that Rcebstock had p,rhaps
recognized him, and might in future shu,
his door 10 him. This thought gave him
great uneasneS>. The next dlv his sad
ness had much increased g am the most
unhappy person in the world" he said.
"Old Reeb,tock will certainly do some.
! thing terrible. II may be ! shall never
again see Gretchen II | could see her but
once more But shall never dare even
to pas, the house.
Descending the steps with his sad
thoughts tor company, he walked slowly
along the street, his ewes fixed on the
vane and the sign of the brewery, which
he could see in the distance Nothing
seemed to be changed. Everything went
on as usual. The herdsmen 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 are calling me-" he said.
The windows of the large room were
open, and already good number were at
the tables the bourgomaster Neinland,
with his great red face, his large hat on
the back Of his head, his heavy cane between
his legs; the tailor Zimmer, in his grey
Jacket, his nose besmeared with tobacco.
his green cap pulled over his cars; the
little barber Sptz, his pewter plate by the
side of his bottle, his hair brushed up in
pyramid in the old French fashion, his
loud voice sounding through the room
these and many Others. Old Berbel was
placing pans of curdled milk behind the
stove, and great sheets Of sunshine, filed !
with notes, covered the tables and the |
seats.
Theodore entered. much agitated. Father |
Reebstock in his 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 were talking together. All |
seemed as usual. But the moment the
artist stepped over the door-sill Reebstock,
raising his arm towards him, cried out,
Monsieur Theodore, do you love my
daughter Gretchen p
The young man felt himself turn pale.
He opened his lips to reply, but could not
speak aword, Reebstock repeated; Do
you love my daughter Gretchen ?"
Everybody was aghast Each one, his
glass in his hand remained motionless,
looking first at Theodore, and then at
Gretchen, and then at the brewer. Finally
Theodore, his voice half choked by the
beating OF his heart, cried I" If | love her ?"
He turned to Gretchen with a look so
ender ana pleading that the young girl
an towards him, and throwing herself into
lis arms. melted into tears.
The cid brewer burst into great laugh
. Ha La ha knew very well that
hey loved each other" he said at
wasn't me who needed to be told of It,"
All the Others, seeing him laugh, cried
8 1a ha ha He is smart, the old
2eebstock he knows every thing
"Well," said the brewer, "since you
owe her so well, take her, take her for
'our wife; but stay with me in my house"
Then as he sat down, he added in a graver
one, "you all understand They are to
,e married in fifteen days"
And everybody replied In fifteen days
ye will be at the wedding" All of which
vas done. ,
Well, Reebstock had grandsons and
randdaughters whom he trotted on his ,
,nees Long afterward, when he was very !
Id, he said to his daughter and her hus- !
'and = My children, remember one thing, !
We have heaven TO thank that we are so :
appv. heard the cock crow before the |
norning; and looking ont of the window | {
aw Gretchen open her shutter. | was
citing very anorv, when Providence wills 3
cred to me- Give your consent quickly, !;
IT fear they will marry without itn" (
Theodore and Gretchen admired the wis a
ON of the old man, and thanked the good I
ord who governs everything here on the
arth as it pleases him. s. NJ. F.