tempered old man can make you happy?"

He spoke with a heartfelt anxiety, yet he now looked handsome with love
and feeling.

"My friend, my benefactor," answered Eva, and wiped away some tears
which rolled down her cheeks, "see into--read my inmost heart. Gratitude
led me to the acknowledgment of your worth, and both have led me to
love; not the passionate love which I once felt--but never more can
feel--but a deep inward devotion, which will make me and, as I also
hope, you happy, and which nothing further can disturb. To live for you,
and next to you for my family, is the highest wish that I have on earth.
I can candidly say that in this moment there is no one whom I love more
than you. Is that enough for you?"

The Assessor riveted his deep eyes searchingly and penetratingly on Eva.
"Kiss me!" said he, at once short and sharp.

With an indescribably charming submission, Eva bowed her blushing face
and kissed him.

"Lord God!" said Jeremias, "and you are mine! In his name then!" and
with unspeakable emotion clasped he his long beloved to his heart. He
held her long, and only deep sighs arose from his heart overflowing with
happiness. At length he tore himself from her, and as if animated with
new youth he sprang forward, and exclaimed to the company assembled in
the library, "Nay, now it is all made up--I take her--she shall have
me--she shall have me! She is worthy to be my wife, and I am worthy to
be her husband! Now then, you without there, will not you drink our
healths?"

All gathered around the bowl--Louise with the rest--the eight following
her--it was all a joyful bustle. Leonore and Petrea kept back the little
tumultuous ones amid laughter, and promised to carry the glasses to them
if they would only keep their places.

At length quiet returned to the assembly, the glasses were filled, and
the skal began.

No. 1, which the Judge proposed, was "for the newly betrothed."

No. 2, which Jacobi spoke eloquently, was "for the Parents; for their
happiness and well-being," said he, with emotion, "through which I, and
so many others as well as I, are blessed!"

No. 3, was drunk to "the prosperity of the new Pastor's family."

No. 4, for "the new purchased land."

No. 5, for "the old--ever-new Home."

No. 6, was "the health of all good children!" The eight seemed as if
they could not return thanks enough.

After this yet a many other particular toasts were given. The young
Jacobis drank incessantly to