stood in her eyes as she spoke, and Lenz was happier than
ever.

The church clock was striking five when they took their places in the
wagon and set out for home.

"My dear father made that clock," said Lenz, "and Faller helped him. By
the way, that luckily reminds me. Faller says you took offence at some
awkward speech of his; he will not tell me what it was. You must
forgive him. He is a plain-spoken soldier, and often says awkward
things, but he is a good fellow at heart."

"Maybe so. But see here, Lenz, you have too many burrs clinging to you.
You must shake them off."

"I shall not give up my friends."

"Heaven forbid that I should ask you to! I only mean you must not let
every one get hold of you, and persuade you into everything he likes."

"There you are quite right. That is a weakness of mine, I know. You
must warn me whenever you see me in danger, till I am thoroughly cured
of it."

At these words, so pleasantly and humbly spoken, Annele suddenly stood
up straight in the carriage.

"What is the matter? what is it?" asked Lenz.

"Nothing, nothing. I don't know why I got up. I believe I don't sit
quite right. That is better. Does not our carriage ride nicely?"

"Yes, indeed. We sit in an easy-chair, and yet are abroad in the world.
It is right pleasant driving. I never before drove in my own carriage,
for your father's is the same as mine."

"Certainly."

They passed Proebler on the road. He stood still as the lovers passed,
and saluted repeatedly.

"I should like to take the old man in with us," said Lenz.

"What an absurd idea!" laughed Annele. "Proebler on a bridal drive!"

"You are right," answered Lenz. "We should not be so cosey all by
ourselves here with a third person sitting opposite, seeing and hearing
everything. It is not being unkind not to invite anybody to drive with
us now. This is a time when we need to be happy all by ourselves. How
beautiful it is! The whole world seems to laugh. Proebler laughed too,
and I am sure was not offended. He would understand that I could not
give away a second of this hour."

Annele answered with a searching look, then cast her eyes down, and
silently clasped her bridegroom's hand. Their first drive had not begun
as merrily as they had expected, but both came home with a peculiar joy
in their heart. Annele said little. A new experience was passing within
her. It was still broad daylight when Lenz helped her out of the wagon
at the door of the L