ars literally. This expression may signify
their disappearance from the earth, perhaps the abolition of the laws
by which they have heretofore been moved, and the reconstruction of
those relations which existed between heaven and earth prior to the
fall. God will then do what you now demand of him, Herr von Hamm,"
concluded Siegwart, smiling. "He will destroy the inimical power of
nature, so that the new earth will be free from thorns, tears, and
lamentations."

Thus they continued to dispute, and the debate became so animated that
even Angela entered the list in favor of providence.

"I believe," said she with charming blushes, "that the miseries of this
earthly life can only be explained and understood in view of man's
eternal destiny. God spares the sinner through forbearance and mercy;
he sends trials and misfortunes to the good for their purification. God
demanded of Abraham the sacrifice of his only son; but when Abraham
showed obedience to the command, and consented to make that boundless
sacrifice, he was provided with another victim to offer sacrifice to
God."

"Fraeulein Angela," exclaimed Hamm enthusiastically, "you have solved
the problem. Your comprehensive remark reconciles even the innocent
sufferers with repulsive decrees. O Fraeulein!"--and the assessor fell
into a tone of reverie--"were it permitted me to go through life by the
side of a partner who possesses your spirit and your conciliatory
mildness!"

Angela looked down blushing. She was embarrassed, and dared not raise
her eyes. Her first glance, after a few moments, was at Richard.

Frank wrote in his diary:

"Even the preaching tone becomes her admirably. Morality and religion
flow from her lips as from a pure fountain that vivifies her soul."

As yet he had not surrendered to Angela.

Frank sprang from an obstinate Westphalian stock; and that the
Westphalians have not exchanged their stiff necks for those of
shepherds, is sufficiently proved by their stubborn fight with the
powers who menaced their liberties. Had Frank been a good-natured
South-German or even Municher, he would long since have bowed head and
knees to the "Angel of Salingen." But he now maintained the last
position of his antipathy to women against Angela's superior powers.

He visited the Siegwart family not twice, but thrice, even four times a
day. He appeared suddenly and unexpectedly before Angela like a spy who
wished to detect faults.

Just as he was going