d but lived to see this day! But she will
rejoice in heaven above, and will intercede for you at the throne of
God."

Lenz could not keep back his tears. If the landlord's boots had creaked
displeasure at his wife's words, they creaked still harder now. At
length the sound of them ceased, and his voice began: "Enough of this.
We are men. Lenz, control yourself and look up! so, that is well. What
do you expect for a dowry with your wife?"

"I have never thought about the dowry. Annele is your child; you will
not stint her."

"Quite right. We stand by the old proverb, 'So many mouths, so many
pounds,'" replied the landlord, and said no more. He had no need to use
many words.

Lenz continued: "I am not rich. My art is my chief possession. But,
thanks to my parents, all wants are provided for. Nothing is lacking.
We have our honest bread, and a little butter with it."

"That is well said, to the point. I like that. Now how about the
marriage contract?"

"Nothing about it; the laws of the land provide for that."

"Yes, but a special contract can be made, if desired. You know a widow
receives only half the property. She will need to have her portion
helped out. If you should die before your wife, and leave no heirs--"

"Father," cried Annele, "if you are going to talk so, you must let me
leave the room. I cannot stay and hear you."

Even Lenz changed color. But the landlord went on ruthlessly: "Don't be
so silly. That is the way with you women; you can't hear anything said
about money. O dear me!--no, not a word! You squirm as if a frog had
hopped on your foot. But if there is no money forthcoming, you can
clamor for it finely. You have never experienced the want of it, your
life long, and I don't mean you ever shall; therefore, in case of life
or death--"

"I will hear no more. Is this the joy of a betrothal that I have heard
so much of?" remonstrated Annele.

"Your father is right," urged the mother; "be reasonable. It will soon
be over, and then you will feel all the merrier."

"Annele is right," said Lenz, with unwonted decision. "We will be
married according to the laws of the land, and there is no more to be
said about it. Life and death, indeed! It is all life for us now. Your
pardon, father and mother; we understand each other perfectly. Every
moment now is worth a million? Do you remember the song, Annele?--

"Honor lies not in a golden store,
Shame lies not in poverty;