lf, both joy and sorrow are dead
within me. I am without hope, and, stranger still, without fear."

"But you are not without benevolence," said I, as I looked towards the
sleeping girl.

"She was so like Gretchen," said he; and he bent down his head and
sobbed bitterly.

I would have asked him some questions about her if I dared, but I felt
so rebuked by the sorrow of the old man, that my curiosity seemed almost
unfeeling.

"She came amongst us a mere child," said he, "and speedily attached
herself to me. I contrived to learn enough v of her dialect to
understand and talk to her, and at last she began to regard me as a
father, and even called me such. It was a long time before I could bear
this. Every time I heard the word my grief would burst out afresh; but
what won't time do? I have come to like it now."

"And is she good and gentle and affectionate?" asked I.

"She is far too good and true-hearted to be in such company as ours.
Would that some rich person,--it should be a lady,--kind and gentle and
compassionate, could see her and take her away from such associates, and
this life of shame, ere it be too late! If I have a sorrow left me now,
it is for her."

I was silent; for though the wish only seemed fair and natural enough
on his part, I could not help thinking how improbable such an incident
would prove.

"She would repay it all," said he. "If ever there was a nature rich in
great gifts, it is hers. She can learn whatever she will, and for a
word of kindness she would hold her hand in the fire for you. Hush!"
whispered he, "she is stirring. What is it, darling?" said he, creeping
close to her, as she lay, throwing her arms wildly open, but not
removing the handkerchief from her face.

She muttered something hurriedly, and then burst into a laugh so joyous
and so catching, it was impossible to refrain from joining in it.

She threw back the kerchief at once and started to her knees, gazing
steadfastly, almost sternly, at me. I saw that the old man comprehended
the inquiry of her glance, and as quickly whispered a few words in her
ear. She listened till he had done, and then, springing towards me, she
caught my hand and kissed it.

I suspect he must have rebuked the ardor of her movement, for she hung
her head despondingly, and turned away from us both.

"Now for the road once more," said Vaterchen, "for if we stay much
longer here, we shall have the forest flies, which are always worse
towards eve