infamous celebration. Was
not this a direct confirmation of his own suspicions? His father had
become a fearful enigma to his soul! And what if, upon his return from
the festival, the father were to come and insist upon the marriage with
Louise, declaring her advanced notions to be an insufficient ground for
renouncing a pet project? A wild storm was convulsing his interior. He
could not bear it longer, he was driven forth. Snatching his straw hat,
he rushed from the house, ran through the alleys and streets, out of
the town, onward and still onward. The August sun was burning, and its
heat, reflected from the road, was doubly intense. The perspiration was
rolling in large drops down the glowing face of the young man, whom
torturing thoughts still kept goading on. Holt's whitewashed dwelling
became visible on the summit of a knoll, and gleamed a friendly welcome
as he came near it--a welcome which seemed opportune for one who hardly
knew whither he was hastening. The walnut-tree which could be seen from
afar was casting an inviting shade over the table and bench that seemed
to be confidingly leaning against its stem. A flock of chickens were
taking a sand-bath under the table, flapping their wings, ruffling
their feathers, and wallowing in the dust. Seated on the sunny hillock,
the cottage appeared quiet, almost lonesome but for a ringing sound
which came from the adjoining field and was made by the sickle passing
through the corn. A broad-brimmed straw hat with a blue band could be
noticed from the road moving on over the fallen grain, and presently
Mechtild's slender form rose into view as she pushed actively onward
over the harvest field. Hasty steps resounded from the road. She raised
her head, and her countenance first indicated surprise, then
embarrassment. Whom did her eyes behold rushing wildly by, like a
fugitive, but the generous rescuer of her family from the clutches of
the usurer Shund. His hat was in his hand, his auburn locks were
hanging down over his forehead, his face aglow, his whole being seemed
to be absorbed in a mad pursuit. To her quick eye his features revealed
deep trouble and violent excitement She was frightened, and the sickle
fell from her hand. Not a day passed on which she would not think of
this benefactor. Perhaps there was not a being on earth whom she
admired and revered as much as she did him. All the pure and elevated
sentiments of an innocent and blooming girl, united to form a halo