The farmer shrugged his shoulders, and opened his mouth with delight. "He's getting it now," thought he, "she pays in good coin."
Turning to her father, Thoma continued:
"Father, did you really mean that I should do as I choose?"
"Certainly! Whatever you say will be right."
"Then I say yes; I accept the honor with thanks."
Fidelis, who was standing at the door, bit his lip to keep from laughing aloud; and an expression of astonishment spread itself over the faces of the farmer and the three young men. The mountain-prince and the other farmer's son thanked Thoma and shook hands with her, but when Anton offered his hand she turned quickly away, and busied herself with the plates and glasses.
Meanwhile the farmer's wife had entered, unnoticed, and now, whilst they were enjoying the refreshment, spoke to them all, for she knew their mothers. Turning to Anton, she expressed her sympathy at his mother's death, saying that she was a most excellent woman, and that her happiness must have been great indeed when her only son returned from the war, safe and with honor.
After the three young men had gone, the farmer's wife said:
"Anton's a splendid fellow, he pleases me best of them all."
"Do you think so too?" the farmer was about to ask his daughter, but he refrained, and only answered: