"Nothing about it; the laws of the land provide for that."
"Yes, but a special contract can be made, if desired. You know a widow receives only half the property. She will need to have her portion helped out. If you should die before your wife, and leave no heirs--"
"Father," cried Annele, "if you are going to talk so, you must let me leave the room. I cannot stay and hear you."
Even Lenz changed color. But the landlord went on ruthlessly: "Don't be so silly. That is the way with you women; you can't hear anything said about money. O dear me!--no, not a word! You squirm as if a frog had hopped on your foot. But if there is no money forthcoming, you can clamor for it finely. You have never experienced the want of it, your life long, and I don't mean you ever shall; therefore, in case of life or death--"
"I will hear no more. Is this the joy of a betrothal that I have heard so much of?" remonstrated Annele.
"Your father is right," urged the mother; "be reasonable. It will soon be over, and then you will feel all the merrier."
"Annele is right," said Lenz, with unwonted decision. "We will be married according to the laws of the land, and there is no more to be said about it. Life and death, indeed! It is all life for us now. Your pardon, father and mother; we understand each other perfectly. Every moment now is worth a million? Do you remember the song, Annele?--
"Honor lies not in a golden store,
Shame lies not in poverty;
And so would I had a thousand dollars more,