"So? I knew it would come to that. If my brother's son wants a wife, let him get her himself. I am an old bachelor, and don't understand such things."
"If his friends do not exert themselves, Amanda will marry some one else. I know that an apothecary is paying his addresses to her."
"Good! she would be just the wife for him. I am not the disposer of the world."
"But if your nephew should foolishly get into trouble in some other quarter?"
"He must get out the best way he can."
"Mr. Lenz, you are not as hard-hearted as you set up for being."
"I am not setting at all, I am going. Good day, Mr. Pilgrim." And go he did. Pilgrim drew his breath hard as he looked after him, but presently turned homeward. In this gloomy weather, with no ray of sunshine, he could at least be grinding his colors for brighter days.
CHAPTER XIV.
PRESSES AND EYES ARE OPENED.
"Good day, Franzl! So you let us have a look at you at last! That is right; I am glad to see you." Thus was Franzl greeted by the landlady, as she entered the public room.