ircle as a townsman of ours?"

The Assessor made an attempt to reply, but it was only a sort of low
grunting tone without words. He looked fixedly upon the floor, and
supported his hands upon his stick.

"In this case," continued the Judge, "I am desired to ask him a
question, which I would ask from no one else, and which nearly sticks in
my throat,--Will our friend Munter allow that any one--any one of us
should follow him into his solitude?"

"Who would accompany me?" snorted Jeremias grumblingly and doubtingly.

"I!" answered a soft, harmonious voice; and Eva, as beautiful and
graceful at this moment as ever, approached him, conducted by her
father. "I," repeated she, blushing and speaking softly but sincerely,
"I will accompany you if you will."

On the countenances of the family it might be read that this to the
members of it was no surprise. Louise had gentle tears in her eyes, and
did not look the least in the world scandalised at this step--so
contrary to the dignity of woman. The Assessor drew himself together,
and looked up with a sharp and astonished look.

"Receive from my hand," said the Judge, with a voice which showed his
feeling, "a companion for whom you have long wished. Only to you,
Munter, would I so resign my beloved child."

"Do you say no to me?" asked Eva, blushing and smiling, as she extended
her white hand to the still stupified Jeremias.

He seized the extended hand hastily, pressed it with both hands to his
breast, and said softly as he bent over it, "Oh, my rose!" When he
raised his head, his eyes were wet; but there was anxiety and disquiet
in his whole being. "Brother," said he to the Judge, "I cannot yet thank
you--I don't know--I don't understand--I must first prove her."

He took Eva by the hand and conducted her into the boudoir adjoining the
library, seated himself opposite to her, and said warmly, "Whence
proceeds this? What jokes are these? How does it arise? Tell me, in
God's name, Eva, with what sentiments do you thus come and woo me? Is it
with true love?--yes, I say, true love; don't be startled at the word!
You can take it as I mean it. Is it love, or is it--pity? As a gift of
mercy I cannot take you. Thus much I can tell you. Do not deceive
yourself--do not deceive me! In the name of God, who proves all hearts,
answer me, and speak the truth. Is it from the full and entire heart
that you come thus to me? Do you think, Eva, angel of God, that I, the
ugly, infirm, ill-