Part 54 (1/2)
”Do you remain long at Frankenhohe?”
”Only to-day and to-morrow. Work requires dispatch, and old custom has so bound me to my occupation that the knowledge of work to be done makes me feel uneasy.”
”Do you work every day regularly in the counting-room?”
”I am punctual to the hours, for the work demands regularity and order.
There are every day some hours for recreation.”
”And what is the most pleasant recreation for you?”
”Music and painting. I like them the best. But of late,” he added hesitatingly, ”unavoidable thoughts press on me, and many hours of recreation pa.s.s in useless dreaming.”
Angela thought of his former mental troubles and looked anxiously in his eyes.
”Now, you have promised me,” she said softly, ”to forget all those things in those bad books that disturbed your mind.”
”The fulfilment of no duty was lighter or more pleasant to me than to keep my promise to you, Angela.”
His voice trembled. She leaned over her work and her cheeks glowed. The delicate fingers went astray; but Frank did not notice that the colors in the embroidery were getting into confusion. There was a long pause.
Then Frank remembered the doctor's final admonition, ”Be not like a bashful boy; put aside all false shame and speak your mind;” and he took courage.
”I have no right to ask what disturbs and depresses you,” said she, in a scarcely audible voice and without moving her head.
”It is you who have the best right, Angela! You have not only saved my life, but also my better convictions. You have purified my views, and influenced my course of life. I was deeply in error, and you have shown me the only way that leads to peace. This I see more clearly every day.
The church is no longer a strange, but an attractive place to me. All this you have done without design. I tell you this because I think you sympathize with me.”
He paused; but the declaration of his love hovered on his lips.
”You have not deceived yourself as to my sympathy,” she answered. ”The discovery that one so insignificant as myself has any influence with you makes me glad.”
”O Angela! you are not insignificant in my eyes. You are more than all else on earth to me!” he cried. ”You are the object of my love, of my waking dreams. If you could give me your hand before the altar in fidelity and love, my dearest wishes would be realized.”
She slowly raised her head, her modest countenance glowed in a virginal blush, and her eyes, which met Richard's anxious look, were filled with tears. She lowered her head, and laid her hand in that of the young man. He folded her in his arms, pressed her to his heart, and kissed her forehead. The swallows flew about the arbor, twittered noisily, and threatened the robber who was trying to take away their friend. The sparrows, through the leaves of the vines, looked with wonder at the table where Angela's head rested on the breast of her affianced.
They arose.
”We cannot keep this from our 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 n.o.ble. 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.