should still be living in our own house
as a distinguished family of knightly rank, and I should have no need to
spend my best hours in secretly washing laces for others--yes, for
others, Wolf--to gain a wretched sum of which even my father must be
ignorant. You do not know how we are obliged to economize, and yet I can
only praise the pride of my father, who induced me to return the gifts
which the Council sends to the house by the town clerk when I sing in the
Convivium musicum. But what a pleasure it is to show the bloated fellow
the door when he pulls out the linen purse! True, many things must be
sacrificed to do it, and how hard that often is can not be described. I
would not bear it long. But, if I were your wife and you had only
property enough for a modest competence, you would scarcely fare better,
through my fault, than my poor father. That would surely be the
result"--she raised her voice in passionate eagerness as she spoke:

"I know myself. As for the immediate future, I feel that the
ever-increasing longing for better days and the rank which is my due will
kill me if I do not satisfy it speedily. I shall never be content with
any half-way position, and I fear you can not offer me more. Talk with my
father, and think of it during the night. Were I in your place, I would
at once resign the wish to win a person like me, for if you really love
me as ardently as it seems, you will receive in exchange only a lukewarm
liking for your person and a warm interest in what you can accomplish;
but in other respects, far worse than nothing--peril after peril. But if
you will be reasonable and give up your suit, I shall not blame you a
moment. How bewildered you still stare at me! But there comes father, and
I must finish my work before the irons get cold."

Wolf gazed after her speechlessly, while she withdrew behind the table as
quietly as if they had been discussing the most commonplace things.

ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:

A live dog is better than a dead king
Always more good things in a poor family which was once rich
Harder it is to win a thing the higher its value becomes
No happiness will thrive on bread and water

BARBARA BLOMBERG

By Georg Ebers

Volume 2.

CHAPTER VI.

The old captain blew the dust from the wine flagon and carefully removed
the seal. His presence prevented Wolf from renewing the interrupted
conversation.

Reflection doubtless warned him tha