“Conrad Sachspach, at Strasbourg, made the frame, following my directions. But I must show you some of my books;” and, rising, he produced a number, and among them the “Speculum,” which was made partly from blocks and partly from movable type. “Are these really specimens of books, Master Gutenberg?” asked Faust with surprise. “Wonderful! wonderful! thou hast wisely devised a most useful art, that will shortly bring thee both riches and renown!” “And thou hast the faculty to quickly comprehend my art,” replied Gutenberg with a beaming face. “That is true,” added Anna, “and it is so blessed to be appreciated. But while you warm over your theme, dinner gets cold!” and a laugh went round the table. “This is a worthy deed of thine, madam,” replied Faust, “preparing a good dinner, and making us laugh. Physicians would commend thee.” “What would they say to my husband? wouldn’t they counsel him to descend from the clouds and eat like other people?” “No doubt of it, madam, since ideas, however original, have not the nourishing elements of food. You have been tried by your husband’s application to his one idea?” “At times,” replied Anna, “I have failed to see the service of it.” Faust laughed heartily, adding,-- “Time enough for the utility, madam. The invention must go through a process to become available; it must creep before it can walk. Have patience, madam!” “I try to have a great store,” she playfully said, “but he is so taken up with his projects that I can scarcely ever get a word from him. When he leaves his work-shop for the day, and draws his chair to the fire, one would think he might have the grace to be sociable; but there he sits and pokes the fire, reads the fire, studies the fire, half the night, and I would like to know what is the necessity of so much meditation?” “Ah, madam,” returned Faust, “it is the common experience of inventors to meet many adversities in the outset. You have reason to be proud of your husband. As I understand it, he has made a great discovery,--the beginning of something of vast importance.” Then, turning to Gutenberg, he added, “I am ready to advance thy invention. But how shall we move? Secrecy is indispensable. We must live in the same house in which we work,--we must consult much together. Where is there a suitable building?” “I had thought of the Zum Jungen,” said Gutenberg. “The very place. It is almost a palace in size, and will afford ample room; is in the city, and yet retired from its bustle. It is now vacant, and I will go and engage it at once. This evening let us draw up a written contract, or articles of agreement, and I will advance the needed funds. When can you remove?” “To-morrow, can we not, Anna?” “Why,” exclaimed she, “can we get ready so soon? We are scarcely settled yet.” “The easier to remove,” replied Gutenberg; adding, “moreover, the Zum Jungen is a very beautiful place, and reminds me of the old castle Thür, where I first met my Anna!”