And now Fink went on in another voice: "Let us think of nothing but our property; dry up those tears, which I am not fond of seeing in your blue eyes, and impart the business half of my proposal to your father and mother. If not before, I request an answer by this time to-morrow."
Lenore went to the door, then returned, and silently offered him her hand.
Slowly Fink returned to his friend's room. "Do you remember, Anton," asked he, "what you told me of your patriotism the day of my arrival here?"
"We have often spoken on the subject since then."
"It made an impression on me," continued Fink. "This property shall not fall again under a Bratzky's sceptre. I shall buy it if the baron consents."
Anton started. "And Lenore?"
"She will share her parents' fate; we have just settled that." He then told his friend the offer he had made.
"Now I hope that all will end well," cried Anton. "We shall see."
"What a purgatory for the sinner up stairs! I am glad I don't hear his groans!" said Fink.
The following morning the servant brought each of the friends a letter from the baron's room; the one of apology and thanks to Anton, the other of acceptance to Fink. These they read, and then silently exchanged.