parents, Richard. My parents esteem you.
Their blessing will not be wanting to our union."

Suddenly she paused, and stood silent and pale, as though filled with a
sudden fear. Richard anxiously inquired the cause.

"You know your father's opinion of us," she said, disturbed.

"Do not be troubled about that. Father will not object to my
arrangements. But even if he does, I am of age, and no power shall
separate me from you."

"No, Richard; no! I love you as my life; but without your father's
consent, our union wants a great blessing. Speak to him in love; beg
him, beseech him, but do not annoy him on account of your selfishness."

"So it shall be. Your advice is good and noble. As long as this
difficulty exists, I am uneasy. I will therefore go back. Speak to your
parents; give them my kind greeting, and tell them how proud I shall
feel to be acknowledged as their son." He again folded her in his arms
and hastened away.

The old cook still sat under the lindens, and the stocking lost many a
stitch as Frank, with a joyous countenance, passed her without
speaking, without having noticed her. She shook wonderingly her old
gray head.

Angela sat in the arbor. Her work lay idly on the table. With a
countenance full of sweetness she went to her room, and knelt and
prayed.

Herr Frank looked up astonished, as Richard, late in the evening,
entered his chamber.

"Excuse me, father," said he joyfully and earnestly; "something has
happened of great importance to me, and of great interest to you. I
could not delay an explanation, even at the risk of depriving you of an
hour's sleep."

"Well, well! I am really interested," said Herr Frank, as he threw
himself back on the sofa. "Your explanation must be something
extraordinary, for I have never seen you thus before. What is it,
then?"

"For a right understanding of my position, it is necessary to go back
to that May-day on which we went to Frankenhoehe. Your displeasure at my
well-grounded aversion to women you will remember."

With childish simplicity he related the whole course of his inner life
and trials at Frankenhoehe. He described the deep impression Angela had
made upon him. He took out his diary and read his observations, his
stubborn adherence to his prejudices, and the victory of a virtuous
maiden over them. The father listened with the greatest attention. He
admired the depth of his son's mind and the noble struggle of
conviction against the powerful in