what prospects, you have here in Ratisbon or elsewhere; for instance,
I would gladly go to the magnificent Netherlands with my husband. Inform
yourself better, too, of the amount of your inheritance. The old man
will take me into his confidence early to-morrow morning. But I will
confess this to you now: The most welcome husband to me would be a
zealous and skilful disciple of music, and I know that wish will be
fulfilled with you. If, perhaps, you are already what I call a
successful man, we will see. But--I have learned that--no happiness will
thrive on bread and water, and even a modest competence, as it is called,
won't do for me."

"But Wawerl," he interrupted dejectedly, "what could be better than true,
loyal love? Just hear what I was going to tell you, and have not yet
reached."

But Barbara would not listen, cutting his explanation short with the
words:

"All that is written as distinctly on the tender swain's face as if
I had it before me in black letter, but unfortunately it has as little
power to move me to reckless haste as the angry visage into which your
affectionate one is now transformed. The Scripture teaches us to prove
before we retain. Yet if, on this account, you take me for a woman whose
heart and hand can be bought for gold, you are mistaken. Worthy Peter
Schlumperger is constantly courting me. And I? I have asked him to
wait, although he is perhaps the richest man in the city. I might have
Bernard Crafft, too, at any time, but he, perhaps, is as much too young
as Herr Peter is too old, yet, on the other hand, he owns the Golden
Cross, and, besides, has inherited a great deal of money and a
flourishing business. I keep both at a distance, and I did the same--