luebell, has not a dainty stomach, and has no toilette
nonsense. The nuns, together with perverted views of the world, may,
perhaps, have taught her many principles that adorn an honorable woman;
but--but--" And Herr Frank threw himself back grumbling on the sofa.

On the following day Richard wrote Angela a warm, impassioned letter.
The vow of eternal love and fidelity was repeated. In conclusion, he
spoke of his father's refusal, but assured her that his consent would
yet be given.

Many weeks passed. The letters of the lovers came and went regularly
and without interruption. She wrote that her parents had not hesitated
a moment to give their consent. In her letters Richard admired her
tender feeling, her dove-like innocence and pure love. He was firm in
his conviction that she would make him happy, would be his loadstar
through life. He read her letters hundreds of times, and these readings
were his only recreation. He spoke not another word about the matter to
his father. He kept away from all society. He devoted himself to his
calling, and endeavored to purify his heart in the spirit of religion,
that he might approach nearer to an equality with Angela. The father
observed him carefully, and was daily more and more convinced that a
spiritual change was coming over his son. Murmuringly he endured the
church-going, and vexedly he shook his head at Richard's composure and
perseverance, which he knew time would not change. The more quietly the
son endured, the more disquieted Herr Frank became. "Sacrifice your
prejudices to your son's happiness," he heard the doctor saying; and he
felt ashamed when he thought of this advice.

"What cannot be cured must be endured," he was accustomed to say for
some days, as often as he went into his room. "The queer fellow makes
it uncomfortable for me; this cannot continue; days and years pass
away. I am growing old, and the house of Frank must not die out."

One morning he gave Richard charge of the establishment. "I have
important business," said he. "I will be back to-morrow."

The father smiled significantly as he said this. Richard heard from the
coachman that Herr Frank took a ticket for the station near
Frankenhoehe. He knew the great importance to him of this visit, and
prayed God earnestly to move his father's heart favorably. His
uneasiness increased hourly, and rendered all work impossible. He
walked up and down the counting-room like a man who feared bankruptcy,
and e