With these words the old man walked resolutely to the arbor, followed by
Kathi, who implored him not to ruin their fortunes.
"My lord," said Conrad, "the day wanes. If you intend to reach Vienna tonight, you have no time to lose."
"Alas!" thought Joseph, "my dream is over. You are right," said he to the peasant, "unless you will shelter me to-night."
"I have but one bed in my house, sir," replied Conrad, "and that is in the little room of my daughters."
"Then let me sleep there," said Joseph, with the arrogance of one accustomed to command.
"Oh!" faltered Marianne, springing to her father's side, as though she would seek protection from these ensnaring words.
But Kathi shook her sister's arm, and surveying her blushing face, exclaimed with a loud laugh, "You are a fool. What harm can it do us, if the gentleman sleeps in our room? We can make ourselves a bed of hay on the floor, and give him the bedstead. No one will ever think any the less of us."
"I think so, too," said Joseph, who was now resolved to see of what stuff the peasant was made. "Do not hesitate so. Let me sleep in your daughters' room, and I will give you a handful of gold for my lodging."
Kathi gave a cry of delight, and going close to her father, she whispered, "Father, you will not refuse! Think—a handful of gold! We will be the richest farmers in the village! There are two of us—there can be no danger."
"Well!" asked Joseph, impatiently, "have you decided? Did you not tell me that you were poor? and is this not an opportunity I offer you to enrich your daughters!"