-"It would be too absurd, certainly! here have I dragged my
old carcase all through the world, and now I am to be crushed to death
in my parent's house. Serves me right; why could I not get over my
longing for home? Yes, a longing indeed." Then he laughed, and
continued: "My life is insured--what good does that do me now? and do
you know who is the cause of our all being buried alive? That upright
man, the fat Landlord of the 'Lion,' who sold the wood that sheltered
this rooftree, to pay his debts."

"Alas! by this action he buries his own child and his grandchild," said
Lenz.

"Neither of you are worthy to name my father's name," cried Annele, in
a shrill voice. "My father was unfortunate, but wicked he never was;
and if you say one word more against him, I will burn the house down."

"You are crazy," cried Petrowitsch; "are we to be grateful to him for
throwing these pretty little snowballs on our heads? But calm yourself,
Annele, come here and sit down by me, and give me your hand, Annele; I
will tell you something. I never thought you honest till now, but now
you are so indeed; you are right, and I am pleased to see that you
won't allow your old father to be abused. There are very few who still
cling to those who have nothing. So long as people have money in their
purse, we hear, often enough, 'Oh! how fond I am of you!' You are
right, my girl!"

Annele looked up at Lenz, who cast down his eyes, and Petrowitsch went
on to say:--

"It is perhaps as well that we should sit together thus at the very
hour, when--who knows?--we may be doomed to die; now all must be clear
and aboveboard among us. Lenz, come a little nearer! I think you hoped
that your wife would console you in adversity; and just because you
were dissatisfied with yourself, and could not exonerate yourself on
some points, you longed for praise from others, instead of being the
support and comfort of your wife,--proud Annele, of the 'Lion.' Don't
shake your head, for you are proud enough. Pride is no bad thing, and I
only wish Lenz had more of it; but wait a little, you will get it yet."

"Yes," cried Annele, "he told me lies; he persuaded me that he had
recalled the security he had given for Faller, and it was not the
fact."

"I never said anything of the kind, I only evaded your perpetual
importunities."

"Now, as I said before," continued Petrowitsch, "it comes to your turn,
Annele; say, upon your honour and conscience, whether you knew, when