right, you mounted our narrow stairs to seek a wife and, when my father
returns, you will ask for my hand."

"That I will," the young knight declared with eager positiveness. "Your
'Yes' or 'No,' Wawerl, is to me the decree of Fate, to which even the
gods submit without opposition."

"Indeed?" she answered, uttering the word slowly, with downcast eyes.
Then suddenly drawing herself to her full height, she added with a graver
manner than he had ever seen her wear: "It is fortunate that I have
learned the stories of the gods which are so popular in the Netherlands.
If any one else should come to me with such pretences, I would scarcely
believe that he had honest intentions. You are in earnest, Wolf, and
wish to make me your wife. But 'Yes' and 'No' can not be spoken as
quickly as you probably imagine. You were always a good, faithful
fellow, and I am sincerely attached to you. But have I even the
slightest knowledge of what you obtained abroad or what awaits you here?"

"Wawerl!" he interrupted reproachfully. "Would I as an honest man
seek your hand if I had not made money enough to support a wife whose
expectations were not too extravagant? You can not reasonably doubt
that, and now, when the most sacred of bonds is in question, it ought--"

"It ought, you think, to satisfy me?" she interrupted with confident
superiority. "But one of two things must follow this sacred bond-
happiness or misery in the earthly life which is entered from the church
steps. I am tired of the miserable starving and struggling, my dear
Wolf. Marriage must at least rid me of these gloomy spectres. My father
will not let you leave soon the good wine he allows himself and you to
enjoy--you know that. Tell him how you are situated at the court, and