“It is not quite so bad as that,” Mr. Delrick answered with a smile, “but I don’t mind admitting that I should leave the hotel if I could find a pleasant home with simple upright people to stay in. I should enjoy nature much more there.”
“I have found the very house for you,” said Mr. Thornau triumphantly. “That’s what I was going to tell you.”
He then related his experiences of the day and described his new acquaintance, Mrs. Lesa, with great enthusiasm. The deep peace of the surroundings and the unusual order and cleanliness in the house and garden, barn and stable would make anybody long to live there. “Enough, Mr. Delrick,” he concluded. “It certainly is the home for you. I really feel very unselfish telling you this, because we shall be the losers if you leave us. But strangely enough, one cannot help doing you a favor. You win people’s hearts in spite of themselves.”
“My dear Mr. Thornau,” said his companion, patting him on the shoulder, “you are kind indeed to take pity on a poor unpractical hermit. I feel ever so grateful to you. Your description has awakened a keen desire in me to take a look at the house.”
At this point a beautiful path joined the road. Though much longer it repaid by the very fine views to be had from several spots. As Mr. Delrick wanted to walk home that way, the friends separated and Mr. Thornau again climbed into his carriage.
When Vinzenz Lesa came out of the house next day to look after his business on the farm, he noticed a stranger, who was apparently seeking someone. As soon as the latter saw the farmer, he approached.
“Does this house by any chance belong to a Mr. Lesa?” he asked politely.
“Yes, sir,” was the answer.
“Do I have the honor of speaking to the owner of it?” asked the stranger.
“Yes, sir.”