"I hope you didn't mind what that blustering old brute said, Elizabeth.
He is a very good fellow really, and doesn't mean anything by his
nonsense."

Elizabeth was silent, and tried to avoid answering by going in with what
she had in her hands.

"Come, I won't stand your being offended, Elizabeth," he broke out
suddenly, firing up in a moment, and trying to catch her by the arm.
"That hand you work with is dearer to me than the hands of all the fine
ladies put together."

"Herr Beck!" she exclaimed wildly, and with tears in her eyes, "I leave
this house--this very night--if you say a word more."

She disappeared into the hall, but he followed her.

"Elizabeth," he whispered, "I mean it in earnest." She tore herself
hastily from him, and went into the kitchen, where his sisters were
talking together over the fire.

Carl went out for a solitary walk over the island in the glorious
starlight night, and didn't come in till past midnight.

He had not meant what he said quite so decidedly in earnest; but now
after seeing her standing before him so wondrously beautiful, with tears
in her eyes--now he meant it in real earnest. He was prepared to engage
himself, if necessary, in spite of every consideration.