Page:Story of the bitter wedding (1).pdf/20

 20 ' Long and joyfully!' resounded through the room, while fifty bonnets and hats were tossed up into the air.dis bar But horror struck and deadly pale did Hildebrand and Bernhard and Gertrude become when they saw the wondrous wine and enchanted cheese in Almerich's uplifted fist. ' Dares he---can he---will he!' darted through their hearts. But, woe and alas! in one turn of his hand, the glutton with his large ox-mouth, had swallowed the bewitch- ed draught and marvellous cheese without leaving a morsel ! A roar of passion from the red haired Hildebrand, and a gush of tears from Gertrude, now terrified the people : while old Bernhard stood like one petrified. But a cheerful smile lightened upon the counte- nance of Siegelind, and Berthold rose boldly from his bench, and stood ready to use his fists upon Hildebrand if he should dare to touch the fiddler. ' You rogue ! you beggar!' at last ex- claimed Hildebrand. Who told you to give that old fool of a fiddler that gift of heaven? You may now toss your house and your bride too to the moon; I no longer, care a straw for you or all that be- longs to you!' With words of venom and execration, Hildebrand rushed out of the room, whilst