"I love you, Mariechen," and Carl hugged her until she was nearly strangled.
Marianne, her eyes dancing, was glad that she was trying to be better. It made her happier, she found, than even "The Sorrows of Werther."
CHAPTER XV
THE MARRIAGE
"Now," said Marianne, next evening, "I will read again in the journal. Are you ready, children?"
And she glanced around the little group.
There were the twins with their tent stitch, Carl with his pencil and drawing book, Bettina with her knitting.
Marianne smiled and settled herself most importantly.
"Carl," she said, "bring another candle. Elsa, will you please draw closer the window curtain, and Bettina, child, sit nearer the light. Now, ready?"