did not perceive how
Charles Henry trembled, and that a deep flush mounted to his brow.

"No, father," he said, with downcast eyes, "I will never leave you
again. We have all returned home. It will be bright and gay once more
in the village, and the work will go forward, for there is a great
difference between a dozen old men and as many young ones. It was most
needful for us to return. The corn is ripe, and should have been already
gathered. We must go to work. To-morrow shall be a happy day for the
village; the whole neighborhood shall perceive that the twelve young men
of Brunen have returned. We met a violinist on the way, and we engaged
him for to-morrow. He must play for us under the linden tree, and our
fathers and mothers, and sisters and sweethearts must join us, and we
will dance and sing and make merry."

"What a coincidence!" said the old shepherd, with a bright smile. "We
had already decided that we would meet together tomorrow under the
linden. We wished to sit there and mourn together over our lost sons. To
sing and dance is much better, and perhaps the old grayheads will join
you."

"You must dance with me, father," said Charles Henry, laughing. "I will
take no refusal."

"I will, my son, I will; joy has made me young again, and if Phylax, the
old graybeard, does not mind, and will allow me, I will dance with you,
but you know he is always jealous of you. I am sure the whole village
will envy you your gay young partner. But now, my son," he continued
gravely, "tell me of our king, and how is it that he has declared peace
so suddenly, and whether he has been victorious or the reverse."

"I know nothing of the king," said Charles Henry; "I was not near him,
but in the division of the Duke of Brunswick."

"I know that, my son; but the duke would not proclaim peace without the
knowledge and consent of the king."

"Oh, father, they will compel the king to make peace," cried Charles
Henry. "And as for the Duke of Brunswick, he has given up the attack
against Wesel and has withdrawn to Westphalia, and the French are in
possession of the entire lowlands, which, it is to be hoped, they will
retain."

"You hope that?" asked his father, with astonishment.

"Well, yes, father. The French king is now, and perhaps will always be,
the lord of Cleve; and, as his subjects, we must wish him success, and
hope that he will always conquer the King of Prussia."

"What do you say, my son?" asked the old man, with a