Page:Select Popular Tales from the German of Musaeus.djvu/84

72 mysterious air he requested permission to speak with the fair needle-woman of whose work report spoke so high, as he had a commission to deliver to her. Dame Ilse had certain shrewd conjectures as to what this commission might be; yet, as the interview would be in her own presence, she summoned the industrious maiden from her task. On perceiving the visitor, the modest Gertrude blushed, and bent her eyes on the ground. Familiarly taking her hand, the youth cast on her a gaze of tenderness that by no means dissipated her confusion: nevertheless, anticipating his salutation, she exclaimed, “Ah Frederic! how came you here? I deemed that you were now a hundred miles from hence. You know my sentiments, and yet you are returned to disturb me again.”—“No, dear Gertrude, rather I am come to ensure the happiness of us both. My condition is now altered, and I am no longer the poor youth I once was. A wealthy relation lately died and left me all his ample possessions; I need not therefore any longer anticipate your mother’s opposition. That I love thee I know full well: that thou lovest me, I venture to hope.”

During this speech the maiden’s blue eyes assumed a livelier expression, and, at the last sentence, her beautiful mouth displayed a faint smile; at the same time she stole a side glance at her mother, to ascertain what were her thoughts on the subject. She seemed wrapt in thought, so great was her astonishment to discover that the bashful girl had been carrying on a love affair without her having the least suspicion of it. The maiden never went abroad, save accompanied by herself; while, at home, under her Argus eye, there was no opportunity; and the good dame was perfectly satisfied that not the most scheming gallant would be able to gain access to Gertrude. The event, however, proved the contrary; and Dame Ilse now learnt that the heart of a daughter, though so well guarded by her caution and experience, was no safer than a hoard of gold secured by seven locks.

Before she could finish her mental comments on this strange discovery, the suitor produced the most satisfactory authority for his boldness, by spreading out on the table a heap of sparkling gold pieces, whose brilliancy so dazzled the vision, both corporeal and intellectual, of the discreet matron, that she could no longer see either the lovers themselves, or the harm they had committed. Gertrude was now quite relieved from the apprehension of witnessing her lover exorcised as an unclean spirit, and doomed to repass the threshold. The good wife considered that beauty is an article not greatly improved by keeping; that, therefore, for such fading ware, it is better to take the first good customer that offers. She opined also that a marriageable daughter was to the full as safe under a husband’s guardianship as her own. She had therefore already prepared her maternal consent, fit to be produced as soon as the suitor should solicit it: and very readily gave her yea and amen to the proposals of the wealthy wooer.