Walpurga brought one of the silver-sealed bottles of wine that Doctor Gunther had given her.
Doctor Kumpan knew how to open the bottles. He praised the wine, but bestowed still greater praise on Gunther.
"I think," said Walpurga, "that we ought to tell our honored guests what we have in view. They're honorable people and won't carry it further."
"You're right," said Hansei, and told them about the farm. The doctor and his wife congratulated them, and were only sorry that such good people were about to leave the neighborhood. Encouraged by the wine, Hansei asked:
"Doctor, might I--be so free--? You see, you're really the cause of our good fortune. Would you do us the honor to accept a present from us?"
"Let's hear what it is. How many thousand florins will you spend on me?"
Hansei was quite frightened; he had not meant to go that far.
"You're a merry gentleman; you're full of fun," said he, collecting his wits. "What I meant to say was--I've got three cords of wood out in the forest. I only finished cutting it last week, and I'd like to take it to your house."
"I'll do you the favor of accepting it. I see you're a real farmer already. You have an itching palm and money clings to it. Take care to remain so."
That Sunday had other honors in store for them, for when the afternoon service was over, the pastor called. He told them that he intended to leave for the capital on the following day, and reminded Walpurga of her promise to give him a letter to Countess Wildenort. Laughing heartily. Doctor Kumpan exclaimed: