“I am going to see the Superintendent this evening.”
“And at this unpleasant season of the year? Think of that,” said Johann Michael.
“A journey of at least sixty miles,” added Herr Stauber.
“Let him go,” suddenly said the soft, gentle voice of the one who alone of all the circle favored his plan. “He must do what his genius bids him do.”
Surprised and greatly excited, Sebastian turned to the speaker, his young cousin Maria Barbara,[23] and thankfully offered his hand. “You understand me,” he said with emotion; “now nothing more can restrain me.” With this closing word he left the house.
Week after week passed. He had far exceeded his one month’s leave of absence and nothing had been seen or heard of him. His friends were solicitous, his superiors indignant, the congregation angry. How could he so thoughtlessly violate his duties? What could he be doing? Where could he be? His conduct was simply incomprehensible to everyone. Maria Barbara smilingly shook her knowing little head when she heard the reproaches of relatives and friends, the slurs of neighbors, and the threats of the Superintendent, and said: “You are wasting your words. Sebastian would not care if you should even say them to his face. He is living and working for higher things than those which are deemed of so much importance in Arnstadt.”
And so it turned out. Two, three months passed, and the indignation of the church-wardens was at its height, when one fine day Sebastian suddenly appeared at Johann Michael’s and cheerfully greeted his astonished relatives. He replied coolly and unconcernedly to the storm of exclamations, reproaches, and questions, tenderly greeted his pretty little cousin, Maria Barbara, and at last, when questions and complaints had ceased, said briefly, “I am accountable for all that I have done or may do. My journey to Lübeck was made solely in the interests of the art which I practise for the honor of God and for the edification of the Christian congregation. All other considerations must be subordinate to this higher purpose. Will the Consistory and Council of Arnstadt complain because in striving to rise higher and higher in my art I have exceeded the time allowed me? Possibly they may discharge me from my position. What does that matter? Arnstadt is not the world. At all times and in all places the world’s door stands open for the skilful artist. Offers have already been made to me in Lübeck. So do not be troubled about me; I do what I must do and others may do what they please—so enough of this.”
“I told you so,” exultantly declared Maria Barbara, looking round the circle. “He cares not a whit for your anxiety about him. He will excel you all.”
“Ah! you rogue,” said Sebastian, smiling, “I did not know you were a prophet.” The girl blushed to the tips of her ears as he bent over her and tenderly whispered, “Can you also prophesy the name of Sebastian’s wife a year from to-day?”
“Oh! yes,” replied Maria Barbara, “Frau Bach. She certainly will have that name.”