He didn't like it at the time, as I could well see.
I wonder whether he'll say anything about it to me now. Shall I talk to
him about this affair, and try to sound him and see what he thinks, or
shall I talk right out bluntly, or do you want to talk with Joggeli
first?"

"I'd rather be clear about Uli and Freneli, and that's why I came with
'em," said she. "If I talk to Joggeli about it and then find out later
that they're not willing, I'll never hear the last of it and how silly
and stupid I was; you know he's so queer and never gives up a grudge;
and still he's not the worst either. If you're willing, cousin, then
sound Uli and see what he says, drag the secret out of him; I'd like it
very much if I knew where he stands. It seems to me I'd be in heaven if
the business was all fixed up. Don't you like the girl too?" asked his
cousin. And Johannes and his wife praised her highly, saying how pretty
and attractive she was, and the former promised to help as much as he
could.

That evening it was not convenient; there was no opportunity to be alone
with Uli. But the next morning, as soon as they had breakfasted,
Johannes asked Uli if he would go out to the pasture with him; he would
like to show him what he had sowed and ask him about this and that.
Uli's mistress admonished them not to stay too long, for they wanted to
set out in good season so as not to get home too late. While Johannes's
wife was urging her to stay over another night the men strolled away.

It was another beautiful day. One steeple after another proclaimed that
it was the Lord's day, that hearts should open to the Lord and keep
Sabbath with Him, to receive His peace and feel His love. The two
wanderers felt the solemnity of it; over many a field they walked with
little speech. Then they came to the edge of the woods, whence they
could see the valley floating in the wonderful autumn haze and hear the
peal of the bells from many steeples, calling the people together to
take into their open hearts the seed that bears sixty and a hundredfold
on good soil. Silently they sat down there and drew in through the
wide-open gates of their eyes and ears the glorious sermon of the Lord,
which can be heard without words every day in all countries; and in deep
reverence they heard the tones reecho in the sanctuary of their souls.

At last Johannes asked, "You're not going to stay on Slough Farm?"

"No," said Uli. "Not that I'm angry with them about Elsie. I'm glad