Lenz and Annele went homewards, singing, and soon a visitor arrived: it was the Landlord himself. He took his son-in-law aside into another room, and said:—
"Lenz, I can do you a service."
"I am glad to hear it. I shall be glad to learn what it is."
"Has the bailiff still got your money?"
"He paid me four hundred gulden, but I spent part of it in furnishing."
"Hard cash is now the thing; you can make a good profit by it."
"I will call it up from the bailiff."
"That would take too long. Give me a bill for the sum, I will invest it for you and you will gain five-and-twenty per cent."
"Then we must share it."
"I wish you had not said that. I intended that you should have had all the gain yourself, but I must say you are an honest man."