hock through his
whole frame. The sight of others at their supper presently reminded him
of his own hunger. In an instant Annele was in the kitchen, and back
again with fresh table linen. Her hands laid the cloth and set on the
dishes so invitingly, and her voice pressed him so cordially to eat,
that his supper relished as he had thought food never would relish
again.

Who so neat and nimble as Annele, so ready and quick at repartee? Pity
she lets her fondness for making fools of people spoil the charm of her
wit.

Lenz had no sooner finished his first bottle than she was ready with a
fresh one, and filling his glass herself.

"You don't smoke,--do you?"

"I ought not, but should like to."

"I will fetch you a cigar such as my father smokes. We don't let many
of the guests have them." She brought the cigar, lighted a paper by the
lamp, and handed it to him.

The landlord had entered meanwhile,--a tall, stout, imposing figure, of
venerable aspect, with thin, snow-white hair, and a little black velvet
cap like a priest's on his head. His silver-bowed spectacles, with
their big round glasses, were only meant to be used for reading, and
were therefore generally worn pushed up on his forehead, from which a
serene and quiet intelligence appeared to be gazing. Very quiet mine
host was, quiet even to solemnity, and accounted very wise. He spoke
little, but must not great wisdom have been needed to attain the
position of the landlord of the Lion? His face was rosy, and, as we
have said, venerable, except in respect to his mouth, which he had a
trick of drawing in as a person does who is smacking his lips over
something savory. He was silent and serious, as if wishing to make
amends by his lack of words for the fluency of his wife and daughter.
When the landlady was particularly talkative and complaisant, he would
shake his head, as much as to say, "That is not to the taste of a man
of honor." A man of honor the landlord was known to be through all the
country round, and a thorough business man. He had made a fortune as
packer,--that is, by buying clocks of the manufacturers, and forwarding
them to purchasers in different parts of the world.

"Good evening, Lenz," said the landlord, with a breadth of voice that
spoke volumes. Lenz respectfully rose. "Keep your seat," he said,
offering his hand; "don't stand upon ceremony; this is a public house."
His concluding nod seemed to say, "I make my respects to you; the
requisit