absence was briefly and feelingly explained. Moved by his father's
obstinate aversion to place himself in the hands of a strange
practitioner, he had resolved to qualify himself for so precious a
charge; and having interested an eminent surgeon of Munich by the detail
of his affecting anxieties sufficiently to insure his instructions in
the single branch of surgery requisite for his purpose, Karl had passed
his days in infirmaries and hospitals, denying himself the common
sustenance of nature, in order to maintain the respectability of garb
necessary for his admittance to the lectures of his scientific
preceptor. At length, his ardent endeavours were rewarded by a
certificate of expertness; and a patent of nobility would have afforded
him a far less gratifying excitement. Nor did Heaven withhold its
blessing from a cause thus hallowed by filial devotion; the operation,
which quickly followed his arrival at the farm, was attended with
perfect success. For some days, indeed, the old man still maintained his
resistance; but when he was assured that Karl had preceded his departure
for Munich by a pilgrimage to Altenötting, and that the especial favour
of the Black Lady had sanctified his undertaking, he became more
passive--the result was a perfect restoration to sight.

"And where," I exclaimed, "is this excellent, this worthy Karl of yours
at present?"

"By your side," replied a chorus of voices; and following their
indication, I turned towards a young man of sturdy appearance, who
acknowledged my salute with prompt and open frankness. He wore the
common peasant costume of the country, and laughed away my honest
praises as a mere exaggeration. "I had nothing to fear from my absence,"
said he, looking towards a very beautiful girl who stood beside him,
"for I was secure of the good faith of my Hannchen, and I knew that the