lower" (she
showed it to the blacksmith) "who has known how to make reparation with
so much delicacy for having made a painful offer, cannot but have a
generous heart. You must apply to her--"

With these words which seemed to be wrung from her by a violent effort
over herself, great tears rolled down her cheeks. For the first time in
her life she experienced a feeling of grievous jealousy. Another woman
was so happy as to have the power of coming to the relief of him whom
she idolized; while she herself, poor creature, was powerless and
wretched.

"Do you think so?" exclaimed Agricola surprised. "But what could be done
with this young lady?"

"Did she not say to you," answered Mother Bunch, "'Remember my name; and
in all circumstances address yourself to me?'"

"She did indeed!" replied Agricola.

"This young lady, in her exalted position, ought to have powerful
connections who will be able to protect and defend you. Go to her to
morrow morning; tell her frankly what has happened, and request her
support."

"But tell me, my good sister, what it is you wish me to do?"

"Listen. I remember that, in former times, my father told us that he had
saved one of his friends from being put in prison, by becoming surety
for him. It will be easy for you so to convince this young lady of your
innocence, that she will be induced to become surety; and after that,
you will have nothing more to fear."

"My poor child!" said Agricola, "to ask so great a service from a person
to whom one is almost unknown is hard."

"Believe me, Agricola," said the other sadly, "I would never counsel
what could possibly lower you in the eyes of any one, and above all--do
you understand?--above all, in the eyes of this young lady. I do not
propose that you should ask money from her; but only that she should
give surety for you, in order that you may have the liberty of
continuing at your employment, so that the family may not be without
resources. Believe me, Agricola, that such a request is in no respect
inconsistent with what is noble and becoming upon your part. The heart
of the young lady is generous. She will comprehend your position. The
required surety will be as nothing to her; while to you it will be
everything, and will even be the very life to those who depend upon
you."

"You are right, my good sister," said Agricola, with sadness and
dejection. "It is perhaps worth while to risk taking this step. If the
young lady consent to rend