"Partly, perhaps," said Werner, and his countenance coloured more deeply—"partly, no doubt—my love for Bertha—but that is not all; that is only the sunny point of my existence—the aim towards which my whole exertions, my whole soul is directed; but you shall know the means also by which I hope to attain my object, and you shall tell me whether you approve them or not."
Helldorf slightly bowed, and Werner began:—
"In stating my endeavours and plans, I probably shall be merely describing those of thousands besides, who, like myself, are thrown upon these shores without means, and who wish to make their fortunes, as the phrase is.
"When I embarked at Bremen almost, my only wish and intention was to travel through the States in all directions; my plans are now altered. Taking all things into consideration, I don't think that Pastor Hehrmann will agree long with the Committee whom they have chosen."
Helldorf nodded his head, significantly.
"He himself is poor," Werner continued, "and the time may arrive when he may stand in need of a friend; so I will set to work with zeal and earnestness,—get some situation here, which I must soon be able to do—work, speculate, devote my whole life to this one object, and then present myself, cheerfully, to the parents of my beloved, and ask them for their daughter's hand,—then I shall have deserved her."
"Well said, my worthy young friend," said the Kentuckian, laying his hand upon Werner's shoulder; "but I don't see why you should make such preparation here in the East; your prospects here are very uncertain."
"My recommendations——"
"I beg of you, for Heaven's sake, say no more about your recommendations: those——. However, I will not make your heart heavy; but, Werner, if you will follow my advice, you will go to the West as quickly as you can, and become a farmer; every month that you pass here is so much time lost, for farmer you will become, after all. You are no merchant, have never been one, and—in short, are not at all fitted for an American trader."
"But I don't see why not! I understand book-keeping thoroughly."