"I wish to ask your advice, for I love your sister. Yesterday I was untrue to her, she surprised me kissing your servant girl in the passage; she gave a little scream, it was like a whimper, and passed by. What am I to do now? I love your sister; for Heaven's sake speak to her and help me!"
And the elder sister paled and put her hand to her heart; but she smiled as though she would bless him and answered:
"I will help you."
The next day he went to the younger and threw himself on his knees before her and confessed his love.
She looked him up and down and answered:
"Unfortunately I can't spare more than ten shillings, if that is what you mean. But go to my sister, she has more."
With that she left him, holding her head proudly.
But when she had reached her room she threw herself upon the floor and wrung her hands with love.
It was winter and the streets were cold, with fog, dust and wind. Johannes was back in town, in his old room where he heard the creaking of the poplars against the wooden wall and from whose window he had more than once greeted the dawning day. Now the sun was gone.