umstances gave him a certain importance,
so that, quite naturally, in course of time he gave the tone to the
company, and his sayings were received as oracles. That flattered his
vanity, which therein got full satisfaction, and before long, he wondered
in secret how he could have lived so many years in the background, and had
so little to do with the world. The political and religious questions of
the day, about which he had never before troubled himself, began to excite
his eager attention. He read newspapers, journals, pamphlets, and became a
great politician--at least in the eyes of himself and his companions. The
magic circle of his calm and peaceful happiness was broken. Baptist
himself had done it, but without a foreboding of what he had destroyed. He
fancied himself happier than ever, and could not see that all his
household joys were blighted.

But Margaret saw and felt it. She mourned in secret; the evenings when she
sat at home alone were sad and sorrowful for her, and at last, as Baptist
left off observing any rule in his outgoing, but longed more and more to
be away from home, she plucked up a heart, and begged of him to leave her
no more.

"But why not!" rejoined Heinzelmann; "we do nothing wrong. We debate about
matters for the good of the town and of the state. There must be great
changes, Margaret, before things can be better with us. But, presto, it
will come."

"Oh, Baptist, what concern have you with the town and the state?" answered
Frau Margaret. "Look at your family, that is your town and state. When you
are with it, and fulfill your duty rightfully, then are you one of the
best of citizens. Consider well: the skin is nearer than the fleece."

"Yes, wife, but what do you mean by that?" said Baptist, a little angrily.
"Perhaps I am not fulfilling my duty?"

"No longer the same as formerly, dear husband. Don't take it ill, Baptist,
but my heart and conscience compel me--I must tell you. You neglect your
business a little. Yesterday, you know, the town-clerk wanted his coffer;
but you--you went out at five, and the coffer was not finished."

"Eh, what!" cried Baptist, snappishly. "I had business in town--we were to
lay a memorial before the magistrates about the pavement, and that could
not be done without me; and the town-clerk can have his coffer to-day."

"No, dear husband," replied the wife, "he sent a little while ago to say
that he had got one; and now, you see, the coffer must be kept on