"Who said so?"
"I think it was your uncle; but I am not quite sure."
"Really: well perhaps I may; if I go away, you must live in my house."
"You had far better stay at home, it is too late to travel——"
"And marry soon," added the young wife.
"Yes; for then all taste for travelling is at an end—a married man has too many links at home. There is no doubt you will prosper, Lenz, for thinking of me in all your sorrow; your mother in heaven will bless you for it; no single minute passes without my thinking of her; in all things her first thought was for others, and you take after her—God will bless you."
"Kindness brings its own blessing; my walk here, and what we have agreed on, has lightened my heart already.—Lisbeth, have you anything to eat in the house? I begin to feel hungry for the first time to-day."
"I will boil you a couple of eggs."
"That will be quite sufficient."
Lenz ate with a tolerable appetite, and his hosts were delighted to see him enjoy his meal.