sad one, as everything was arranged for him to return in three months to
fetch Gretchen, his old master's daughter, who had promised to marry
him, and Stephan's mother was to live with them.

Stephan's letters were most satisfactory. He liked the new life and the
old Forester, and was sure Gretchen would admire the pretty houses, the
large balcony, along the rails of which he was growing some of the
beautiful dark carnations she was so fond of, and he knew she would
rejoice to see the glowing mountain-peaks rising from the dark pine
woods at sunset.

The wedding-day arrived at last, and in the course of the second
evening,--for the festivities lasted two days,--some strangers staying
in the village came up to see the dancing, which took place in a very
large room in the inn. Among them was the Baron Liszt, who, after
dancing the last waltz with Gretchen, requested the visitors would
remain a few minutes, as he had something to show them.

A box was then brought in by the hostess, dressed in her best costume
and fur cap. She placed it with much solemnity before the Baron, who
lifted the lid, took out the beautiful zither that Stephan had made with
such care, and handing it to the pretty, blushing Gretchen, he said he
could offer her nothing better as a wedding gift than this specimen of
her husband's talent, which he hoped she would always keep and use as a
token of his respect and admiration for Bavarian honesty and truth.
Then, shaking hands with them both, he took leave amidst loud
acclamations and waving of hats; and so ended the wedding of Stephan and
Gretchen.