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Herr Sperber and some of the others saw the girl resting in the stranger's arms. "Good Lord!" As quickly as his short legs permitted, Sperber reached the spot. "What's the matter?" he cried. "What's the matter?" "My fiancée seems a little unwell," said Herr Kosch gravely. "Your what?" cried Herr Sperber.
"By spring we'll be having a wedding," old Sperber had said to her. "I don't know why this girl, who ought for all reasons to choose a husband nicely and quietly, should be such a burning hay-rick! And the rascal likes it; just as a drinker enjoys his wine, so she enjoys the lovesighs of all these asses.
On the long, bare slope of the Ettersberg lay the buildings that marked the centre of an estate, not far from the Sperber property, but not, like it, embedded in swelling fields on the side of the steep road where the land lay broader and less precipitous.
"Go," she said; "I want to be alone. You promised to be my friend. I long to be alive as you are alive. That is what you must understand. Good night!" He kissed her hand again, and bowed to Herr Sperber. "I will go," he said, and he went, just as Herr Rauchfuss used to walk when he wanted to show the world that he was completely master of himself.
"You rascal, you!" cried Herr Rauchfuss angrily. "Just wait a bit you see how it goes? Soldier's child ... soldier's child!" After he had lain awhile in the night very quiet and indifferent, he said in a faint voice, "Let Sperber come." And when his old neighbor entered, he felt for his hand and held on to it as if in terror; but nothing could be done for him.
"We don't need anything. Go to bed. I'll stay with our child. Leave us alone." And they were left alone. They went together into the living-room, Herr Sperber carrying one of the large candles with him. "Now tell me, child, how all this has happened!" She knelt in front of the little old man, who sat, full of care, in Herr Rauchfuss's armchair; and again the hot tears flowed.
Come, child, let us go to the others." Helplessly she followed him, and took leave of her guests. The suitors went away in deep, dumb amazement. The Kirsten girls kissed their friend heartily on the cheeks, and their comrades pressed her hand. "For God's sake, child," said the Raven-mother, when the last had departed, "are you clean out of your senses?" "Let her alone," said Herr Sperber.
I know that every happiness must be paid for in suffering." "Well," said old Sperber, "if you go to your folly with courage and joy, it's one thing but with burning tears ...? Am I not right, my girl? If you have courage, you may get the best of this devil of a fellow but going to it in sorrow ... no!"
I'm not talking so much of myself I'm a simple old fellow. But for all that, you know, old Sperber isn't a fool. Do you think he doesn't understand you? Ah ... "When a man is in love with you, he's everything but your friend. He can only be your friend when the stage of being in love has passed; and even then he may not be your friend. That's a thing you've got to deserve!
She wanted to show the old Sperbers that she could be a good housewife and manager. Although the real responsibility lay upon the bailiff and the housekeeper, she would not altogether let go of the helm. She insisted on knowing everything that was to be done and giving her approval. "The young rascal!" said old Sperber.
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