The church clock was striking five when they took their places in the wagon and set out for home.
"My dear father made that clock," said Lenz, "and Faller helped him. By the way, that luckily reminds me. Faller says you took offence at some awkward speech of his; he will not tell me what it was. You must forgive him. He is a plain-spoken soldier, and often says awkward things, but he is a good fellow at heart."
"Maybe so. But see here, Lenz, you have too many burrs clinging to you. You must shake them off."
"I shall not give up my friends."
"Heaven forbid that I should ask you to! I only mean you must not let every one get hold of you, and persuade you into everything he likes."
"There you are quite right. That is a weakness of mine, I know. You must warn me whenever you see me in danger, till I am thoroughly cured of it."
At these words, so pleasantly and humbly spoken, Annele suddenly stood up straight in the carriage.
"What is the matter? what is it?" asked Lenz.
"Nothing, nothing. I don't know why I got up. I believe I don't sit quite right. That is better. Does not our carriage ride nicely?"
"Yes, indeed. We sit in an easy-chair, and yet are abroad in the world. It is right pleasant driving. I never before drove in my own carriage, for your father's is the same as mine."