ever and ever! And having thus, by taking thought, brought my mind into
this temper, I once more finally determined to have the clothes, and
religiously to observe the compact.

It made me quite happy to end it in this way. The hard bed, the cold
night wind blowing on me, my wolfish visitor, were all forgotten. Once
more I gave loose to my imagination, and saw myself (clothed and in my
right mind) sitting at Yoletta's feet, learning the mystery of that
sweet, tranquil life from her precious lips. A whole year was mine in
which to love her and win her gentle heart. But her hand--ah, that was
another matter. What had I to give in return for such a boon as that?
Only that strength concerning which my venerable host had spoken
somewhat encouragingly. He had also been so good as to mention my skill;
but I could scarcely trade on that. And if a whole year's labor was only
sufficient to pay for a suit of clothing, how many years of toil would
be required to win Yoletta's hand?

Naturally, at this juncture, I began to draw a parallel between my case
and that of an ancient historical personage, whose name is familiar to
most. History repeats itself--with variations. Jacob--namely,
Smith--cometh to the well of Haran. He taketh acquaintance of Rachel,
here called Yoletta. And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice
and wept. That is a touch of nature I can thoroughly appreciate--the
kissing, I mean; but why he wept I cannot tell, unless it be because he
was not an Englishman. And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's
brother. I am glad to have no such startling piece of information to
give to the object of my affections: we are not even distant relations,
and her age being, say, fifteen, and mine twenty-one, we are so far well
suited to each other, according to my notions. Smith covenanted! for
Yoletta, and said: "I will serve thee seven years for Yoletta, thy