el his happiness
now secure. After he was gone, Lenz said:--

"I never enjoyed my dinner more than today. What can be better in the
world, than to be occupied with your work, and to have plenty to eat
and drink, and a dear wife, and a dear friend to keep you company?"

"Pilgrim is certainly very amusing," replied Annele.

"I am also so glad," continued Lenz, "that you have fairly converted
him. He was not very fond of you, but he is very different now; you are
a witch; you can do what you will with every one."

Annele made no answer, and Lenz repented having told her this as there
was no need to do so; but honesty never does harm. He therefore
repeated that Annele must feel particular pleasure, in having so
entirely changed one who had formerly undervalued her.

Still Annele did not say a word; but she had many a triumph yet in
store for her, as she never missed an opportunity, either now or
hereafter, of showing Lenz how bad, and wicked, and cunning, and false
all men are.

"I never knew that the world was so bad. I have lived like a child,"
said Lenz, modestly; and Annele continued:--

"But, Lenz, I have seen the world in your place, and become acquainted
with hundreds of men in the course of our traffic, I have seen and
heard how they talk, as soon as any one turns his back whom they have
made a great fuss with, and how they laugh at him for placing any faith
in the existence of cordial words, and honest speech. I can tell you
more than if you had travelled for ten years yourself."

"But of what use is it?" asked Lenz. "I don't see that such knowledge
can do any good. If we go on our straight path, the world round us may
be bad enough, but it can do us no harm; besides there are a great many
good and upright men:--but you are right, the daughter of a landlord is
at home among strangers--you know that, and told me so on that evening
when we were first engaged. It must be a relief to you to have now a
real home, where no one has a right to come in, and be as free and easy
as he pleases, by ordering a pint of wine, and be as disagreeable as
possible to other people."

"Oh! no doubt," answered Annele, but no longer so well pleased, for she
felt annoyed again that Lenz should not consider her past life a happy
one. He might consequently imagine that it was through him she first
knew happiness.

CHAPTER XXIV.
ANCIENT HEIRLOOMS ARE DISMISSED, AND A NEW