,
and I rejoice that I am to find one in you. I am fond of my other
sons-in-law, but they are too fine, too aristocratic for me. It is time
now for you to go, Lenz. My husband may come any minute, and I would
not answer for the consequences. Yet no; stop a moment. Take this. Give
him this, Annele." She opened both doors of the great linen-press, and
took out a gold coin. "Your godfather, our blessed minister, laid this
in your cradle. It is an old medal, just the thing for you to give
Lenz. But you must give her a present first."

"I have nothing to give. Oh yes, here is my watch, Annele. My dear
father made it himself in Switzerland, and gave it to my mother. When
we are married, please God, I will give you something else of my
mother's that will please you. Here, take the watch. It has lain next
my heart. Would I could take out my heart, and lay it in your faithful
hand!"

They exchanged pledges. "Very good," explained the mother, who thought
it her duty to say something. "A heart and a watch; they resemble one
another, and love is the key that winds them up." She smiled at her own
cleverness, since no one else did. "See," she continued, after
rummaging in the chest, "this was the first little frock my Annele
wore, and these were her shoes." Lenz looked with rapture at these
mementos of her childhood, and begged permission to keep them, which
was granted. "Now you must really go, Lenz," said the landlady,
returning to her old theme. "I cannot let you stay. Go this way through
the kitchen. There is my hand. Good night, Lenz!"

"May not Annele go a little way with me?"

"By no means. Don't be offended if I am somewhat strict. I have brought
up three daughters, and take pride in the thought that no word of blame
has ever rested on either of them. God willing, you can have enough of
each other by and by, in all honor and with the parents' knowledge."

"Good night, Lenz!"

"Good night, Annele!"

"Once more, good night!"

"Good night, my heart's treasure!"

"Good night, dear Lenz! pleasant dreams!"

"The same to you a thousand-fold!"

"That will do, that will do!" admonished the landlady, laughing.

Lenz stood in the street. The whole world turned round with him. The
stars in heaven danced. Annele--Annele of the Lion--was his! He hurried
homewards; he must tell Franzl, who always praised Annele so warmly.
How she will rejoice! If I could only shout it out from house to house!
He checked himself, however, whe