fication of a christianly constituted state, that every
one shall occupy with his pound so as to benefit, at the same time, both
the individual and the community at large."

"Thus," added Petrea, "do the rain-drops swell the brook, which pours
its water into the river, and may, even though it be nameless,
communicate benefit in its course."

"So it is, my dear child," said her father, and extended to her his
hand.

"It is a gladdening thought," said Louise, with tearful eyes. "Pay
attention, Adam, to what grandfather and aunt say, and keep it in your
mind;--but don't open your mouth so wide; a whole frigate could sail
into it."

At these words little Alfred began to laugh so shrilly and so heartily
that all the elderly folks irresistibly bore him company. Adam laughed
too; and at the sound of this peal of laughter came bounding forward
from all ends and corners Shem and Seth, Jacob and Solomon, Jonathan and
David, just as a flock of sparrows comes flying down over a handful of
scattered corn. They came laughing because they heard laughter, and
wished to be present at the entertainment.

In the mean time the sun had set, and the cool elves of evening began to
wander over the place as the family, amid the most cheerful talk, arose
in order to return to the house. As they went into the city the ball on
St. Mary's church glimmered like fire in the last beams of the sun, and
the moon ascended like a pale but gentle countenance over the roof of
their house. There was a something in this appearance which made a
sorrowful impression on Gabriele. The star of the church tower glittered
over the grave of her brother, and the look of the moon made her
involuntarily think on the pale, mild countenance of her mother. For the
rest, the evening was so lovely, the blackbird sang among the alders by
the brook, and the heaven lay clear and brightly blue over the earth,
whilst the wind and every disturbing sound became more and more hushed.

Gabriele walked on, full of thought, and did not observe that Baron L.
had approached her; they were almost walking together as he said, "I am
very glad; it was very pleasant to me to see you all again so happy!"

"Ah, yes," answered Gabriele, "now we can all be together again. It is a
great happiness that Louise and her family are come here."

"Perhaps," continued the Baron--"perhaps it might be audacity to disturb
such a happily united life, and to wish to separate a daughter and
sister from