Smyrna times., 1872-07-24
ble oath, followed b.. the words, What do |

be odth, followed b. the words, What do l
see here p
Theodore and Gretchen were thrown into
cons ernatOn anl fell into each others arms,
while Moss retreated, quacking like duck as
it in enjoyment OF the turn affairs had taken.
The lovers, however, soon recovered them
selves, aud Theodore started for home, his
heart and mind filled with the blssful memo
rles of the night lie weht to his room. but
not to sleep, aud remained there, dwelling
upon the confession of Gretchen, until the
morning was Tar advanced, fearing lest the dis
covery of their love by Father Reebstock
would lead to separation, which they both
dreaded.
Descending the steps with his sad thoughts
for company, he walked slowly along the street,
his eyes fixed on the vane and the sign of the
brewery, which he cOuid see in the distance
Nothing seemed to he changed. Everything
went on as usual. The herd>men were passing
through the village, playing on ;heir bagpipes,
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 pub
lie house, slept quietly in the sunshine.
Theodore gradually approached the brewery,
his canvas on his arm. He was passing the
door, without daring to turn his head, when he
heard loud voices calling.
They are ealing me, " he said.
The windows of the large room were open
and already good number were at the tables
the BurgOma ter Wenland, with his great rec
face, his large hat on the back of his head, hi
heavy cane between his legs the tailor thinner
III his gray jacket, his nose besmeared will
tobacco, his green cap pulled over his ears
the little barber Spitz, his pewter plate by tn,
side of his bottle, his hair brushed up in
pyramid in the old French fashion, his lout
voice sounding through the room these ant
many others. Old BArbel was placing pans O
curdled milk behind the stove, and great sheet
Of sunshine, filled with notes, covered th
: tables and the seats.
Theodore entered, much agitated Fathe
Reeb>tnck, in his brown coat with great stee
buttons, was sitting near the clock, facing tn
: door Gretchen, who was looking out of tn
window, dropped her eyes
; The men were talking together All SCENE
e as usual But the moment the artist steppe
t over the door-silI, Reebstock, raising his arI
toward him, cried out:
Monsieur Theodore, do you love my daugt
ter Gretchen p
The young man felt himself turn pale. Fl
opened his mouth to reply, but could not spea
a word. Reebatock repeated, =" Do you lOy
my daughter Gretchen ?"
l erybody was aghast. Each one, his gla
a in his hand, remained motionIrsS, looking fir
. at Theodore and then 1t Gretchen, and then
is the brewer Finally Theodore his voice ha
r choked by the beating of his heart, cried:
y IF love her?"
He turned to Gretchen with look 50 tend
s and pleading that the young girl ran towal
e him, and throwing herself into his arm
e melted into tears.
The old brewer burst into great aug
1t = Ha hal | knew very vel! that they love
each other" he said. 1T WASH t me who nee
1t ed to be told of it.. -
st All the others seeing him laugh, cried, III
es ha He is smart, the old Reebstock; he kno'
s, everything"
G, "Well," said the brewer, "snce you 10
her so well, take her for your wife but st
I'd with me in my house" Then, as he sat dow
at he added in graver tone. . You all undt
III standP They are to be married in ftte
X days"
And everybody replied, In fifteen days
IN will be at the wedding" All of which "
ne done.
Well, Reebstock had grand9ons and gran
rs ls daughters whom he trotted on his knees. Io
VI afterward, when he was very DID, he said to
le le daughter and her husband:
II "Mv children, remember one thing '
have heaven to thank that we are so hapE
oo | heard the cock crow before the morning, a
% looking out of the window saw Gretchen opt
10 ing her shutters. | Was getting very ang
when Providence whispered to me, Give "
nd consent quickly, for fear they marry withC
nd it,
Theodore and Gretchen admired the wisd
lat of the old man, and thanked the good Ii
I'D who governs everything here on earth al
he pleases Him.