ived a blow. "I
hear you well enough, I am not so deaf as all that," said she,
retreating to the bench beside the stove, and looking nervously at the
great men and the great dogs.

Schilder-David's house was not made for the Roettmanns. The father and
son almost touched the ceiling when they stood upright.

Little Joseph remained for a time sitting on the knee of
Speidel-Roettmann. David was jealous, and felt almost angry with the
child for taking so quickly to other people.

"Give me your large wolf-dog," said Joseph to grandfather Roettmann, who
said--

"He is yours."

"You are mine; my own;" said Joseph to the dog, but he was obliged to
leave him with his grandfather for the present, as the animal would not
go with him.

"Some one take Joseph to bed instantly," repeated David, in a voice of
authority. His wife understood, by the movement of his lips, what her
husband was saying, so she took Joseph by the hand, and went with him
up to the attic. Scarcely had the door closed behind the grandmother
and grandson, when Leegart stepped forwards with a degree of confidence
and self-assurance that amazed every one, saying deliberately,

"And now, Martina, go and put on your wedding dress. I will assist you,
for you know I always promised that I would. All you men, if you are
true men, take care that Adam and Martina are married this very night.
You can, if you will, and if you insist upon it. The Roettmanns have a
famous opportunity of showing their courage. Speidel can now split
asunder a hard log, and you, Adam, 'The Horse,' may drag it home. What
are you all staring at me for? I say, go straight to our Pastor, and I
tell you the thing will be done. I tell you so, and I always know
pretty well what I say. Come, Martina, that I may dress you. You shall
not hide your face any longer; you have groaned and grieved, and felt
shame long enough. Come along."

She took Martina with her to her room, while every one walked after her
in surprise, but no one spoke a word. Martina soon returned into the
room, prettily dressed. Adam went up to her, and, unseen by the
others, showed her something wrapped up and fastened by a riband
into his purse. He then turned to the others, saying, "Father, and
father-in-law, it is far the best plan. Come with us to our Pastor. He
must make us one this very day."

"He will never do it."

"Let us at least try."

"Don't let us forget the chief point of all," said Schilder-David,
suddenly