He returned to the garden, Roland and Eric following immediately.
As the Major was escorting the Professorin a part of the way home, she said:—
"I believe that I am acquainted now not only with the two best, but also the two happiest people in this region."
The Major remained some time standing in the same place, and looking after the departing guests; then turning his eyes upward, he said:—
"Thanks to thee, thou Builder of all the worlds! Thou knowest what I would say, without my speaking,—oh dear!"
BOOK VIII.
CHAPTER I.
ON GOETHE'S BIRTH-DAY.
The swiftly-flowing Rhine between its bends seems transformed into a lake, until, curving around the jutting mountain, it continues its course.
This is very much the case with the story we are narrating.