"Are we not fine, father?" cried she, with a loud laugh. But Marianne, coming forward with the emperor, bent gracefully before her old father.
"See, dear father," said she in her soft, musical tones, "we bring you a guest who to-day will share our humble dinner with us."
"A guest whose life has been saved by your daughters," added Joseph, extending his hand.
"And a very rich somebody he must be, father," cried Kathi, "for see how he has paid us for our help. Look at this brave ring, how it glistens! It is mine; and Marianne might have had as much if she had chosen. But what do you think she asked him?—to come home and get a glass of milk!"
"That was well done of my Marianne," said the father, proudly. "It would have been a pity not to let me see the brave gentleman, if indeed you have been so happy as to save his life. Come in, my lord, come in. You are welcome. What we have we give cordially."
"And therefore what you give will be gratefully received," replied the emperor, entering and seating himself.
"Now, sir," said Marianne, "I will go and prepare the dinner." So saying, she passed into the cottage kitchen.
"That is a beautiful maiden," said Joseph, looking wistfully after the graceful figure as it disappeared.
"They are my heart's joy, both of them," replied Conrad. "They are brisk as fawns, and industrious as bees. And yet I am often sad as I look at them."
"Why so?"