Page:Legends of Rubezahl, and Other Tales (1845).djvu/201

 of Kirsdorf named in the letter, had entered upon his office accordingly, as trustee of the property, for the sole use and benefit of Lisa and her children; and that he had already received the full amount of the inheritance, and placed it in safe hands.

Stephen all this while stood stock still, with his mouth open, giving no signs of life, except that whenever the Priest, on naming the Most Serene Republic of Venice, respectfully raised his cap, he bowed too, as it were unconsciously. When he came to himself, the first thing he did was to clasp “his dear wife” in his arms, vowing such tenderness and devotion and undying love, as she had never heard of since he was courting her, years ago. And although Lisa knew pretty well what the meaning of all this was, yet, like a sensible woman, she took it in good part, and seemed to believe every word he said. From that hour Stephen was the most attentive, the most tractable of husbands, the most loving of fathers, the most active and managing of farmers; want of industry, indeed, had never been his failing.

The honest Priest converted by degrees the golden leaves into current coin, with which he purchased a considerable farm, whereon Stephen and Lisa lived happily for the remainder of their days. The balance he placed out on mortgage, and attended