inglet of my hair, which he has so long begged for, and a
kiss with it."

Goethe spoke not, but pressed her blushing face to his bosom, and
laid his hand gently upon her head. A smile of delight--of perfect
happiness--played around his lips.

CHAPTER XXII. THE READING.

This happy smile still beamed upon Goethe's face as he walked with
the duke late in the evening toward Belvedere to soiree of the Duchess
Amelia, who was inspired with a love for the fine arts, and particularly
literature. The two gentlemen had busily occupied themselves in
preparing them for the lady of honor, Fraulein von Gochhausen, and,
although aided by Goethe's servant, Philip, and workmen, it was late
when they arrived.

As they entered, the ladies and gentlemen were seated in a large circle
around the centre-table. At one end sat the Duchesses Amelia and Louisa,
the mother and wife of Charles Augustus and near the former her friend
and favorite the poet Wieland, once the tutor of her son the duke. Near
the poet sat an elderly gentleman of cheerful, good-natured mien, who,
with the exception of Wieland, was the only one who did not present
himself, like the duke and Goethe, in Werther costume. He wore a white,
silver-embroidered coat, with a dark-blue satin vest, and breeches of
the same, shoes with buckles, and bosom and wrist ruffles of lace.

This gentleman, with the bright, sparkling eyes, and pleasant face, was
the poet Gleim, who looked very comfortable and stately in the circle
of powdered perukes. His admiration for Frederick the Great had inspired
him to write some beautiful military songs, and his love of poetry
and literature made him an enthusiastic admirer of all those devoted
themselves to literary pursuits. Besides, he was rich and liberal, and
it was very natural that the poets, and authors exerted themselves with
marked assiduity to please Father Gleim. They were gratified to have
him print their works for a small remuneration in an annual which he
entitled the "Almanach of the Muses." He was just reading aloud at the
duchess's soiree from the late edition of the almanach, and the society
listened with earnest and kind attention, occasionally interrupted with
an enthusiastic "Bravo!" or "Excellent!" from the duchess, followed by
a murmur of assent around the table, which caused the poet's face to
brighten with joy and satisfaction, and him to read on with increased
energy.

The entrance of the duke and Goethe was un