Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/76

72 "Ah, noble lady," said she in a low voice, "it was you alone that this young lord ought to have loved. He knew you, I am sure, before thinking of me. The resemblance in the names and the likeness of features has procured for a short time his attention. It was the recollection of you that he sought for in me. But I am not angry with him for it."

As the procession got ready for the second time to leave the house of master Martin, a fine young man, who wore with rare elegance a rich Italian costume, came forward and embraced Frederick. "Reinhold! my friend Reinhold!" exclaimed the bridegroom: and the two friends embraced each other closely. Master Martin and Rosa partook of their joy.

"Did I not tell thee truly," said the artist, "that happiness would come at the sound of the mallet? I arrive in time to share thy joy, and I bring thee my bridal gift."

Two servants then entered, and discovered, to the astonished gaze of the guests, a magnificent canvass, on which were painted master Martin, with Reinhold, Frederick and Conrad, working on the prince bishop of Bamberg's tun, at the moment that Rosa appeared among them.

"That is," said Frederick smilingly, "thy masterwork; mine is down below, full of wine; but patience, I shall have to make another."

"I knew all," continued Reinhold, "and I find thee more fortunate than myself. Be faithful to thy art, which, better than mine, can agree with a calm life and the sedentary habits of a good home. Happiness, friend, is only found in common places."

At the nuptial feast, Frederick seated himself between the two Rosas, and opposite to him master Martin placed himself between Conrad and Reinhold. At the dessert, the counsellor Jacobus Paumgartner filled the silver goblet, carved by Frederick, and drank the first draught in honor of master Martin and his joyous companions. Then the goblet made the circuit of the guests, who celebrated until the morrow, the good cellar of the master of the candles.