“But if the issue had not been fortunate?” said the young man.
“Nothing venture—nothing win!” replied the Italian. “We all risked something. Let us rejoice that it has ended so happily.”
“Only the poor village musician,” said Heissenheimer, “has reason to complain, that I sent him out of the world so sentimentally, without asking his leave! Doubtless he would not be much obliged to me—for to-day is his birth-day, and his daughter Caroline is gone to pay him a visit. But what think you, fair lady, of our friend as a physiognomist? Here he has been finding out that your features were inexpressive—and those of Caroline very interesting!”
“Do not make sport of me!” cried Louis, “you were as much in the dark till yesterday as myself.”
“Well!” said the old merchant—“at least I shall claim a kiss for my reward as postillon d’amour!”
“Come,” interrupted the chapel-master; “let us adjourn to the little back room, where we may find something to eat!” They went, Nina leading the way, leaning on the arm of her lover. The “little back room” was a private cabinet, the window of which opened on a small garden in the rear of the house. Here was an excellent instrument, by which Ricco was accustomed to compose, and his daughter to sing. A large book-case contained, in rich binding, the works of celebrated composers of the old Italian school, down to the latest. There was Palestrina, Lulli, &c., and also Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Portraits of the great masters hung round the walls; the bust of Mozart stood on the book-case.
Louis believed himself in a sanctuary! The fair priestess stood by his side, and smiled upon him. Her usual frank and lively manner was exchanged for something of timidity and reserve; but love beamed in her eyes, and kindly regard was expressed in the looks of all present. Heissenheimer was the first to recover his vivacity; and he brought them back to this world by protesting that he was inordinately hungry and thirsty. He should prefer a flask of good Johannisberger to all the dews of Castaly! And they would not forget to drink the health of all the divinities of love and music; yea, the present company included, besides the poor village musician and his daughter Caroline, who certainly ought to have a share in their good wishes!
FOOTNOTES:
[15] The incidents and criticism of this tale are taken from a novelle of Ludwig Rellstab, entitled “Julius.”
THE END.