“What a hurry they're in. Is it a return to a writ, that they must press for it this way? Well, well, I ought to be used to all manner of interruptions and disturbances by this time. Fetch me a caudle, till I seal it;” and he sighed, as he drew forth his old-fashioned watch, to which, by a massive steel chain, the great family seal was attached', firmly persuaded that in the simple act he was about to perform he was achieving a mighty labor, at the cost of much fatigue. “No rest for the wicked! as my old father used to say,” muttered he, in a happy ignorance whether the philosophy emanated from his parent, or from some higher authority. “One would think that at my time of life a man might look for a little peace and ease; but Peter Dalton has n't such luck! Give me the letter,” said he, querulously. “There is Peter Dalton's hand and seal, his act and will,” muttered he, with a half-solemnity, as he pressed the wax with his heavy signet. “'Semper eadem;' there 's the ancient motto of our house, and, faith, I believe Counsellor O'Shea was right when he translated it 'The devil a better!'” He read the address two or three times over to himself, as if there was something pleasurable in the very look of the words, and then he turned his glance towards Hans, as in a dreamy half-consciousness he sat still, contemplating the little statue of Marguerite. “Is n't it droll to think we 'd be writing to the first in the land, and an old toy-maker sitting beside the fire all the time,” said Dalton, as he shook his head thoughtfully, in the firm conviction that he had uttered a very wise and profound remark. “Well well well! Life is a queer thing!” “Is it not stranger still that we should have won the friendship of poor Hanserl than have attracted the notice of Lady Hester?” said Nelly. “Is it not a prouder thought that we have drawn towards us from affectionate interest the kindness that has no touch of condescension?” “I hope you are not comparing the two,” said Dalton, angrily. “What's the creature muttering to himself?” “It 'B Gretchen's song he 's trying to remember,” said Kate. “Nach ihm nur schau' ich Zum Feuster hinaus!” said Hans, in a low, distinct voice. “'Was kommt nach,' what comes next, Fraulein?” “You must ask sister Nelly, Hanserl,” said Kate; but Nelly was standing behind the massive stove, her face covered with her hands. “Zum Fenster hinaus,” repeated he, slowly; “and then, Fraulein? and then?” “Tell him, Nelly; tell him what follows.” “Nach ihm nur schau' ich Zum Fenster hinaus; Nach ihm nur geh' ich Aus dem Haus!” repeated she. “Ja, ja!” cried Hans, delightedly, “Nach ihm nur geh' ich Aus dem Haus!” “What does that mean?” said Dalton, with impatience. “It's Gretchen's song, papa,” said Nelly. “His figure I gaze on, O'er and o'er; His step I follow From the door.”