"Now, thank Heaven, for again a short pause," said the weary and hard-working man; "it will do me good to have a little rest, and look after my garden; and the bailiff has promised me some beautiful carnation-layers, it is not yet too late for them; we'll have it very beautiful, won't we, mother?"
"Yes, yes, father," replied the acquiescent wife; "only early in the morning, and not in the blazing heat of noon."
In the meantime, Fritz was earnestly and mysteriously whispering to Mina in a corner. "Do you ask," at length said Mina. "Nay, you had better," returned he.
Mina, who had this day been with the clergyman, might surely venture a word with her father, and she began therefore, at first shyly, and then more boldly, "But, father, is it true?"
"What true?" asked he.
"May we?" asked she again slowly.
"May you what?" inquired he again.
"Go to see Mrs. Dote at the castle!" exclaimed Fritz, now speaking quite boldly, and astonished at his own courage.
"Yes, oh yes, father!" now besought Mina, earnestly and in a winning tone. "You have no objection, mother, have you?" asked she, addressing her mother; "and if mother is willing, father, you won't say no, will you?"
"And Mrs. Dote has invited us," said Fritz decisively; "and you promised, you know, father, and you always keep your word."