s soon as he
comes in from the forest, and trust me to set him right before the
Fraeulein has the chance to set him wrong."

She looked up at me gratefully, and went away without any more words.
Presently the fine burly figure of my host stood at the opening to my
enclosed sitting-room. He was there, three-cornered hat in hand, looking
tired and heated as a man does after a hard day's work, but as kindly
and genial as ever, which is not what every man is who is called to
business after such a day, before he has had the necessary food and
rest.

I had been reflecting a good deal on Thekla's story; I could not quite
interpret her manner to-day to my full satisfaction; but yet the love
which had grown with her growth, must assuredly have been called forth
by her lover's sudden reappearance; and I was inclined to give him some
credit for having broken off an engagement to Swiss Anna, which had
promised so many worldly advantages; and, again, I had considered that
if he was a little weak and sentimental, it was Thekla, who would marry
him by her own free will, and perhaps she had sense and quiet resolution
enough for both. So I gave the heads of the little history I have
told you to my good friend and host, adding that I should like to
have a man's opinion of this man; but that if he were not an absolute
good-for-nothing, and if Thekla still loved him, as I believed, I would
try and advance them the requisite money towards establishing themselves
in the hereditary inn at Altenahr.

Such was the romantic ending to Thekla's sorrows, I had been planning
and brooding over for the last hour. As I narrated my tale, and hinted
at the possible happy conclusion that might be in store, my host's
face changed. The ruddy colour faded, and his look became almost
stern--certainly very grave in expression. It was so unsympathetic, that
I instinctively cut my words short. When I had done, he paused a little,
and then said: "You would wish me to learn all I can respecting this
stranger now at the 'Adler,' and give you the impression I receive of
the fellow."

"Exactly so," said I; "I want to learn all I can about him for Thekla's
sake."

"For Thekla's sake I will do it," he gravely repeated.

"And come to me to-night, even if I am gone to bed?"

"Not so," he replied. "You must give me all the time you can in a matter
like this."

"But he will come for Thekla's answer in the morning."

"Before he comes you shall know all I can lea