Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-10-03
some one tapping loudly on the window
pane. He stopped n great fright
'sIs any one calling me P" he asked him

some one tapping loudly on the window
pane. He stopped "a great fright.
us any one calling me Pr he asked him
self.
The windows of the tap-room were
open. and already several customers were
seated at the table. Among them were
red-faced old Alderman Weinland. with
his large felt hat thrust on the back OF ms
head, and his walking-stick of vine WOOD
resting between his knees; thinner, the
tailor. in his gray gown, and his green
can tied over his ears, and his nose
smutched with snuff; also Spitz, the bar
Der, his beaming countenance surmounted
BY q little pyramid of hair, as is the old
French fashion, talking in loud voice,
with his earthenware dish on the table by
the bottle; and several more besides.
Old Berbel was putting the cans of
curds in a row behind the stove, and long
sunbeams bright with their myriads OF
dancing notes. fell along the table and
beneath the benches.
Theodore entered in no very easy frame
of mind. Old Recbstock, in his brown
coat and steel buttons. was sitting by the
clock-case opposite the door. Gretchen
was standing near the window with her
eyes bent downwards. A lively CONVEX
sation was going on. No one seemed to
think that there was anything special on
hand. But the moment when the artist
appeared in the doorway, Reebstock,
raising his arms towards him, cried
IN. Theodore, do You love my daugh-
ter Gretchen"
The young man turned quite pale. He
opened his mouth, but could not get out a
single word.
Then Reebstock, looking him full in the
face, repeated
do you love my daughter Gretchen ?''
All the spectators were struck dumb
with amazement; each, holding his glass
in his hand, sat as if transfixed, gazing by
turns at Theodore, Gretchen, and the
landlord.
At last, Theodore in voice choked with
emotion, said
''Oh, yes! how l love her,'
He cast such an imploring look at
Gretchen, that the girl of her own accord
rushed across the room to him, and throw
ing herself into his arms, burst into tears
Then the old brewer gave loud laugh.
"Ha! ha. ha! Didn't know that the,
were in love with each other = said he
You can't take me in quite SO easily"
And all present. seeing him SO we'll sat
isied. exclaimed, '.Ha! ha. Old Reel
stocks pretty sharp; he knows all abou
it."
''Well.' continued the brewer; ..sinc
you love her SO much take her, MARI
her; but you must stay and live with N
in my house"
Then sitting down he added gravel,
Its quite decided now; you shall /
married in fortnight"
To which all the company replied
1--WE shall come to the wedding in for
night
Which in fact happened
Well. Reebstock had grandsons an
granddaughters, whom he used to dandl
on his knee. Afterwards, when he wa
quite old, he said to his son-in-law an,
daughter. my children, you must re
member one thing-if we are happy, W.
must thank Heaven for it. l heard the
cock Growing before sunrise, and, as
was looking out of my window, saw
Gretchen christening her shutter. Then
felt inclined to be very angry but Prov
idence made me think better of it. Marry
them first it whispered. since they love
each other; you can rebuke them for il
afterwards.
Theodore and Gretchen admired the
wisdom of the old man, and thanked the
Lord, who governs all things here below
so well.