"
"I am a black devil, _Kindchen_. Forget what I have said. You are worthy
the brightest crown in Europe; but you wear a better one than
that--goodness. If any one should ever make you unhappy, come to me. I
will be your godfather. Will you forgive an old man who ought to have
known better?"
There was such unmistakable honesty in his face and eyes that she did
not hesitate, but placed her hand in his.
"Why did you ask all those questions?" she inquired.
"Perhaps it was only to test your strength. You are a brave and honest
girl."
"And if trouble came," now smiling, "where should I find you?"
"I shall be near when it comes. Good fairies are always close at hand."
He swept his hat from his head; ease and grace were in the movement; no
irony, nothing but respect. "And do you love this vintner?"
"With all my heart."
"And he loves you?"
"Yes. His lips might lie, but not his eyes and the touch of his hand."
"So much the worse!" said the mountaineer inaudibly.
Gretchen had gone home with her clock; but still Herr Ludwig, as the
mountaineer called himself, tarried in the dim and dusty shop. Clocks,
old and new, broken and whole, clocks from the four ends of the world;
and watches, thick and clumsy, thin and graceful, of gold and silver and
pewter.
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