repay him. 'Tis an unnatural life; and good results can scarcely be
expected, take my word for that. I therefore beg you to remain, at least
till next summer, when, owing to the extended scale of farming
operations, an experienced inspector may occupy your post."

"Then," said Karl, "may I go?"

"Fink would always like to keep you; but should you leave him, remember,
Karl, our frequent conversations during the past year. You have become
accustomed to a life among strangers, and have all a colonist's claims
to a new soil. If higher duties do not urge you home, your place is to
remain here as one of us. If you leave this estate, buy land from the
Poles. You, with the plowshare in your hand, will be still a German
soldier, for the boundary of our tongue and our customs is gaining upon
our enemies." So saying, he pointed to the east.

Karl reached out his hand, and said, "I remain."

When Anton left the bailiff he found Lenore at the door. "I am waiting
for you," cried she; "come with me, Wohlfart; while you remain here, you
belong to me."

"If your words were less friendly," replied Anton, "I might fancy that
you were secretly glad to get rid of me, for I have not seen you so
cheerful for a long time. Head erect, rosy cheeks; even the black dress
has vanished."

"This is the dress I wore when we drove together in the sledge, and you
admired it then. I am vain," cried she, with a mournful smile. "I wish
that the impression you carry away with you of me should be a pleasant
one. Anton, friend of my youth, what a mystery it is that, on the very
first day free from care that I have known for years, we must part. The
estate is sold, and I breathe again. What a life it has been of late
years! always anxious, oppressed, humbled by friend and foe; always in
debt, either for money or services: it was fearful. Not as far as you
were concerned, Wohlfart. You are my childhood's friend; and if you were
in trouble of any kind, it would be happiness to me if you would call
me, and say, 'Now I want you; now come to me, wild Lenore.' I will be
wild no longer. I will think of all you have said to me." Thus she ran
on in her excitement, her eyes beaming. She hung on his arm, which she
had never done before, and drew him in and out of every building in the
farm-yard. "Come, Wohlfart, let us take a last walk through the farm
which was once ours. We bought this cow with the white star together,"
cried she; "you asked for my opinion of her