And as often as Martina thought of the bright sunshine she had seen through the foliage of the beech, she felt as if these sunny rays were still shining on her, and were never to cease shining.
Adam, seizing Martina's hand, said, as if he intended a solemn asseveration:—
"This tree shall never be cut down; it shall never be felled by me till our wedding; or rather, it shall always remain where it is, and listen to the merry music of our bridal procession as it passes along. Martina, give me something; have you nothing you could give me?"
"I am poor and have nothing to give away."
"I see something I should like to have—will you give it to me?"
"Yes! what is it? whatever you like."
"I see your name embroidered on your neckerchief; tear out the piece and give it to me."
"Gladly!" she turned away, and tore out the piece of muslin where her name was marked, and gave it to him.
"I give you nothing," said he, "but look round, so far as you can see, all, all, is yours."
At this speech, proving how rich Adam was, and how poor Martina, she felt very sorrowful, but Adam still grasped her hand, so every other feeling was absorbed in love for him.