"Yes, it was your fault. And, now, come; you shall go with me and be mine. Will you? I have found you, and I did not seek you. But now you shall live with me and be my wife. It is God's will." If any one could have seen Barefoot's eyes then! But no mortal eye has ever fully seen a flash of lightning in the heavens, for no matter how firmly we look, our eyes are sure to be dazzled. And there are also flashes in the human eye which are never fully seen, just as there are workings in the human heart which are never fully understood. A momentary flash of joy, such as may brighten the face when the heavens are opened, darted from Amrei's eyes. She covered her face with both hands, and the tears ran forth from between her fingers. John stood with his hand upon her. All the relatives had gathered around, and were gazing with astonishment at the strange scene. "What's all this with Barefoot? What's all this?" blustered Farmer Rodel. "So, your name is Barefoot?" cried John. He laughed loud and heartily, and added: "Come, now, will you have me? Say so now, for here we have witnesses to confirm it. Say 'Yes,' and nothing but death shall part us!" "Yes!--and nothing but death shall part us!" cried Barefoot, throwing herself on his neck. "Very well--then take her out of this house at once!" roared Farmer Rodel, foaming with rage. "Yes, you need not tell me to do that. I thank you for your good reception, cousin. When you come to us some day, we'll make it quits," replied John. He put both hands up to his head, and cried: "Good heavens! Mother, mother, how glad you will be!" "Go up, Barefoot, and take your box away at once; for nothing belonging to you shall remain in my house!" commanded Farmer Rodel. "Very well," replied John; "but that can be done with less noise. Come, Barefoot, I'll go with you. But tell me what your real name is." "Amrei." "I was once to have married an Amrei--she is the 'Butter Countess!'--you are my Salt Countess! Hurrah! Now come; I should like to see your room, where you have lived so long. Now you shall have a large house!" The dog, with the hairs on his back standing up like bristles, kept walking around Farmer Rodel; he saw that the latter would have been glad to choke John. Only when John and Barefoot were at the top of the stairs did the dog come running after them. John let the box stand, because he could not take it on his horse. But they packed Barefoot's possessions into the sack which she had inherited from her father. As they were descending the stairs together on their way out, Barefoot felt somebody quietly press her hand in the dark--it was her mistress who was thus taking leave of her. At the threshold, with her hand upon the door-post against which she had so often leaned, she said sadly: "May God reward this house for all good, and forgive it for all evil!" They had gone but a few paces when Barefoot called out: "Good heavens! I have forgotten all my shoes! They are upstairs on the shelf!"