They mutually exchanged pledges; the Landlady, who must always put in her word, declared: "Yes! a heart and a watch are like each other, and love is the watchkey." She smiled at her own cleverness--as no one else did so. She rummaged in the press, and said--"See! here is the first frock Annele wore, and her first shoe." Lenz begged he might have them; she gave them to him, and began again. "But now, Lenz! you really must go; I can't allow you to stay a moment longer. Go through the kitchen,--there is my hand as a pledge. Good night, Lenz!" "May Annele go with me a little way?" "No! I cannot permit it; you must not be displeased, but that is just what I am--I mean very strict. I have brought up three daughters, and no one can say a word against one of them; that is my pride. If it be God's will you may see enough of each other yet, with our sanction and knowledge." "Goodnight, Lenz!" "Good night, Annele!" "Once more--good night!" "Good night, my precious treasure!" "Good-bye, dear Lenz I sleep sound!" "And you, too, a thousand times!" "Now, come along; you have said 'good night' often enough!" said the mother laughing. When Lenz was in the street, the whole world seemed turning round with him, and the stars in the sky dancing, "Annele, the daughter of the Landlord of the 'Lion' is mine!" He hurried home,--he must tell it without delay to Franzl, for she had praised Annele so highly. "Oh! how she will rejoice! If I could shout it out from house to house--" But when he had got to the top of the hill, and was close to his own house, he checked himself, saying--"No! I must not tell it to Franzl; not till it is all settled, or it would not long remain a secret: but I must tell it to somebody." He retraced his steps, and stood for some time opposite the "Lion" Inn. "Now, I stand here as a stranger; but tomorrow I hope to be at home there." At last he tore himself away, and proceeded to Pilgrim's house. CHAPTER XVII. A FRIEND'S OPINION. "Heaven be praised he is at home! I see lights in his room, and he is playing the guitar. Oh! my good Pilgrim! my dear Pilgrim! God keep me in life and health, and prevent me dying from joy! Oh! that my dearest mother had only lived to see this hour!" Pilgrim sang and played loud, so he did not hear his friend coming upstairs. Lenz opened the door, and spreading his arms, exclaimed--"Rejoice with me, brother of my heart--I am so happy." "What is it?" "I am betrothed." "To whom?" "How can you ask? To her,--the most charming creature; and prudent, and clever as the day! Oh! Annele!" "What Annele--Annele of the 'Lion'?"