Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-09-24

Then he would add, " Theodore. dear Tbeo.
dore " and imagine he was the happiost
fellow on earth
About five o'clock he vent home. and
when he had laid himself down on his little
bed, 1t occurred to him that old Recbstook
had recognized him, and might for the fu-
iure forbid him his house. This thought
depressed him very much.
Next morning his misery had increased.
" Could any one be so unhappy as II" he
exclaimed. "0h, old Reobstock will be in
an awful passion. Perhaps I shall never
again sec Gretchen. II could only see
her once moro But shall never dare to
60 down the street again"
And still dwelling on these distressing
thoughts be went down stairs and left the
house, not caring whittier he went, looking
at the brewery in the distance with its
wea,her-cock and sigu-board
Nothing was changed; everything wore
its ordinary aspect The herdsman was
passing through the village, playing on his
pipe, aud followed bya large flock Of goats
and swine; the village lasses, with their
pitchers, were trooping round the fountain,
aud kaspar Moss lay sleeping, with his
back to the sun, on the bench before the
town halt
Attracted by this pleasant picture, Theo-
doro with his portfolio under his arm,
drew near As he was passing the brew
cry, not daring to turn his head, he heard
scme one tapping loudly on the window
pano. He stopped in a great fright
l. any ouc calling me2n ho asked him
self
The windows of the tap room we're open,
and already several customers were seated
at the table. Among them were red faced
old Alderman Wenhnd, with his large felt
hat thrust on the back Of his head. aud his
walking stick Of vine wood resting between
his knees thinner, the tailor, in bis gray
gown, aud his green cap tied over bis cars,
and his nose smutchod with snuff; also
Spitz the barber, his bcaming countenance
surmounted by 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 Berbcl was putting the cans Of curds
in row bohind the stove, and long sun.
beams, bright with their myriads of dane
ing notes, fell along the table and beneath
the benches.
Theodore entered n 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 downwar1s. A lively conversation
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
NJ. Theodore, do you love my daughter
Gretchen"
The young man turned quite pale. He
opened his mouth, but could not ret out a
single word.
Then Reebsiock, 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 transfxed, gazing by
turns at Theodore, Gretchen and the land.
lord.
At last Theodore, ina voice choked with
emotion, said
"Oh, yes, how love herl"
lie cast such au imploring look at Gret-
chen that the girl Of her own accord rushed
across the room to him, and throwing her
self into his arms, burst into tears. Then
the old brewer gave loud laugh.
"Ha ha Didn't know they were in
love with each other!' said he lyon
can't take me in quite so easily
And all present seeing him so well salts
fed, exclaimed. Ilal bal Old Reebstock's
pretty sharp; he knew all about it,"
Well' continued the brewer, " since
you love her so much, take her, marry
her but you must stay and live with me
in my house"
Then sitting down he added grayely,
It's quite decided now you shall bs
married 10 fortnight
To which all the company replied, We
shall come to the wedding in a fortnight"
Which in fact happened
Well, Reebstock had grandsons aud
grandaughters, whom he used to jande on
his knee. Afterwards, when he was quite
old, he said to his son.in.law and daughter,
My children, you must remember one
thing--if we are happy, we must thank
Heaven for it, | heard the cock growing
before sunrise and, as | was looking out Of
my window, | saw Gretchen unfastening
her shutter Then felt inclined to be very
angry, but Providence made me think
better Of it. Marry them first it whis-
pered, since they love each other; you
can rebuke them Tor it afterwards
Theodore aud Gretchen admired the
wisdom Of the old man, aud thanked the
Lord, who governs all things here below
so well.