"No, I do not believe that. The adorning of the pictures of saints would be idle trifling if the heart wandered far from the spirit of the saints. Our church teaches, as you know, that the real, true veneration of the saints consists in imitating their virtues."
Frank sat reflecting. The examination and probation were thoroughly disgusting to him. Siegwart appeared in the garden, and came with quick steps to the arbor. His countenance was agitated and his eyes glowed with indignation. Without speaking a word, he drank off a glass of wine. Frank saw how he endeavored not to exhibit his anger.
"Has Herr von Hamm departed?" asked Richard.
"Yes, he is off again," said the proprietor. "Angela, your mother has something to say to you."
"Now guess what the assessor wanted?" said Siegwart, after his daughter had left the arbor.
"Perhaps he wanted the Peter-pence collection," said Frank, smiling.
"No. Herr von Hamm wanted nothing more or less than to marry my daughter!"
Frank was astonished. Although he long since saw through Hamm's designs, he did not expect so sudden and hasty a step.
"And in what manner did he demand her?"
"It is revolting," said the proprietor, much offended. "Herr von Hamm graciously condescends to us peasants. He showed that it would be a great good fortune for us to give our daughter to the noble, the official with brilliant prospects."