"No; I had eight hundred florins by me, and have lent three thousand to my neighbor, the bailiff, to pay his discharge."
"Have you good security? How much interest does he pay?"
"I have only his receipt. He pays five per cent."
"The bailiff is good, and five per cent is good; but, as I say, if you should want to make any investments, I shall be glad to help you with my counsel."
"I like to keep to what I understand; though, of course, I should be perfectly safe in following your advice blindfold. The new work you are to buy of me is progressing finely, and I think will be better than the first."
"Remember, Lenz, I made no promises. A man of honor goes no farther--"
"You have said quite enough. Your word I shall never--"
"As I say, plainness and accuracy should be observed among friends. I would have inscribed upon my gravestone, 'Here lies an accurate man.'"
Lenz was delighted with such solidity of character; here, at least, was pure gold.
"By your leave," said Annele, approaching, and taking a seat at the table with Lenz and her father. The landlord soon rose and left the young people to themselves. "You have reason to be proud of such a father, Annele," said Lenz; "what a man he is! it does one good to talk with him. He says but little, and for that very reason every word is--how shall I call it?--pure kernel, pure marrow."