As he was on the point of falling asleep, he thought, "I shall make no resolve, for I have never seen a resolve lead to anything. The course of events may guide my destiny as it has done hitherto."
The next morning she came without waiting for the doctor. She had put on a wise air, as if she understood the illness thoroughly but did not wish to descend to trifles. She took a rod out of a basket she had brought with her.
"What is that?"
"That is 'the Easter rod'; to-day is Good Friday." She set up the rod at his feet, and adorned the edge of the bed with willow-branches in bloom. Like a little housewife she bustled about the room, surveying and putting it in order. Finally she sat down in an easy chair.
"Well! What is the great news?" he asked.
"We must enter on an engagement, for the papers have announced it."
"Have they, indeed? What about the old man?"
"Father has resigned himself, because the matter cannot be altered; but he is not happy. Now won't you congratulate me?"
"You should congratulate me first, for I am the elder."
"And the less intelligent."