old hat, for the wind
has carried off mine."

"Come into the next room with me. My husband will be so sorry not to
see you; he is gone to superintend timber being carted down the hill
from the wood."

Kathrine--for it was the Bailiff's daughter Kathrine--threw open the
door of the adjoining room, and begged Lenz politely to go in first.

The room was warm and comfortable. Kathrine was not offended by Lenz
frankly owning that he had not come on purpose to see her, for he did
not even know that she lived here; but he was heartily glad that chance
had brought him to her house.

"All your life long you were a truly good and honest man, and I am
thankful to see that you are still the same," said Kathrine. She
fetched an old grey hat, and a military cap of her husband's, and
begged Lenz to take the cap, as the hat was too shabby, and not fit for
him to wear; but Lenz chose the hat, though it was much crushed, and
had no hatband. As Lenz was so positive, Kathrine brought her Sunday's
cap with broad black ribbons, and cutting off one of the strings, she
put it on the hat. In the meanwhile she spoke of her former home, and
forgot no one.

Lenz looked in surprise at the active, energetic woman, who was so
ready to oblige him, and who spoke in such a kind and straightforward
manner; she insisted on Lenz taking a cup of coffee, which she made
ready in a few minutes, and while he was drinking it, Kathrine said,
probably recalling the many memories connected with old times:--"Franzl
often comes to see me, we have always remained the best of friends."

"You look indeed, as if you were prosperous," said Lenz.

"I am thankful to say that I have no cause to complain; I am always
well and healthy, and we have enough for ourselves, and something to
spare for others; besides my husband is honest and industrious. We are
not so merry here, to be sure, as we used to be at home; they can't
sing here, but I should be as happy as the day is long, if we only had
a child; but my husband and I have agreed, that if we have not one by
the time our fifth wedding day arrives, we are to adopt one--Faller, we
think, might spare us one of his, we hope you will help us in this."

"I will, gladly."

"You are sadly altered; you look so wasted away--Is it then really true
that Annele is become so cross, and bad tempered?"

Lenz's face became as red as fire, and Kathrine exclaimed:--"Oh! dear,
how stupid I am! don't take it amiss; I beg your pardon