The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1872-05-18

Everybody was instantly cUfi3tsfn&ted
Theodore and Gretchen fell into each
others arms, and then separated, fright
ened at what they had done. Moss, his
arms in the air, ran swiftly away, making
the cry of duck escaping in the reeds from
a dog. His harsh, nasal voice sounded
farther and farther away. He had some.
thing to laugh about; but Reebstock did
not laugh, and the artist, crushing his hat
in his hand, leaped over the fence and ran
towards the orchard, while Gretchen,
trembling, closed her window quickly. A
neighbors great dog, walked by the noise,
barked and shook his chain.
Theodore walked the fields until morn
ing, repeating az in dream, Gretchen,
Gretchen, love thee!' Then, remember
ing Gretchen's words, Theodore, dear
Theodore!" he thought himself the happi-
est of mortals.
About o'clock he entered his own
house and vAinly tried to sleep as he re-
membered that Reebstock had perhaps
recognized hmm, and might in future shut
his door to HIM. This thought gave him
great unessiness. The next day his sad
ness had much increased. Il am the most
unhappy person in the world" he said.
''Old Reebstock will certainly do some
thing terrible. It may be | shall never
see Gretchen. If could see her but once
more! But l shall never dare even to
pass the house"
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
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 q 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 q bench,
before the public 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 calling me, he said.
The windows of the large room were
open, and already q good number were at
the tables; the burgomaster Weinland,
with his great red face, his large hat on
the back of his head, his heavy cane be-
tween his legs; the tailor thinner, in his
gray jacket, his nose besmeared with to-
bacco, his green cap pulled over his ears;
the little barber Spitz, 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 Berble was
placing cans of curdled milk behind the
stove, and great sheets of sunshine, filled
with notes, coveredthe tables and 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
looking 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
The young man felt himself turn pale.
He opened his mouth to reply, but could
not speak q word. 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 the
brewer. Finally Theodore, his voice
half choked by the beating of his heart,
cried, IF love herr
He turned to Gretchen with look 50
tender and pleading that the young girl
ran towards him, and throwing herself into
his arms. melted into tearS
The old brewer burst into great laugh,
'loved each other" he said 1T wasn't
me who. Hal ha! ha! | knew very
well that they needed TO be told of it."
All the others seeing him laugh, cried,
"Ha! hAl ha! He is smart, the old Reeb-
stock; he knows everything"
''Well," said the brewer, ''since you
love her 50 well, take her for your wife;
but stay with me in my house" Then a.
he sat down he added, in graver tone,
''You all understand. They are to be
married in fifteen days."
And everybody replied, Gin fifteen days
we will be at the wedding" All Of which
was done.
Well, Reebstock has grandsons and
granddaughters whom he trotted on his
knees. Long afterwards, when he was
very old, he said to his daughter and her
husband: my children, remember one
thing. We have Heaven to thank that we
are 90 happy. heard the cock crow be-
fore the morning, and looking out Of the
windows saw Gretchen opening her shut
ters. / was getting very angry, when
Providence whispered 10 me, "Give your
consent quickly, for fear they viii marry
without it.
Theodore and Gretchen admired the
wisdom Of the old man, and thanked the
good Lord who governs everything here on
the earth Aa it pleasee him.