Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/55

Rh from me; it cannot be that you have not perceived that these three young men forget their work as soon as you are near them, and that their mallets miss the blow, because they cannot take their eyes from you. Do not young girls immediately guess these things? Do you not well know that Reinhold and Frederick keep their finest songs for the time that you come to work by the side of your father? Have you not remarked the sudden change that takes place in the rude manners of the savage Conrad? Each one of your glances makes one happy and three jealous. And then, is it not very sweet to feel one's self beloved by three fine young men? And if you should come some day and say to me, caressingly—'Dame Martha, advise me—which of these pretty wooers most deserves my heart and hand?' do you know, dear Rosa, what answer I would make you? I should answer—'Choose the one you prefer;' there you will find happiness. For the rest, if I had to discuss their merits, Reinhold pleases me, Frederick also, Conrad equally; and in one or the other of the three, nevertheless, I find defects. When I see those three fine journeymen work so heartily, from morning till night, I think, in spite of myself, of my poor departed Valentine, and I say that if he was not so skilful at his trade, he devoted himself to it much more seriously. You would never have seen him occupy himself with any thing except shoving his plane, or forming good staves; whilst the three new journeyman of master Martin, have the appearance to me of people who have imposed upon themselves a voluntary task, and who are patiently hatching a project that I do not yet guess. For the rest, my child, if you believe me, Frederick should be your chosen one. I believe him generous and frank as sterling gold; and then it seems to me that he is simpler, and that his language, his manners, his appearance, are more like those of our class of people. And then I like to follow in him the slow and silent progress of his timid love; he has the candor and timidity of a child. He dares hardly raise his glance to meet yours. As soon as you speak, he blushes.