Upon my word that is so much the better, for to speak
truly I am placed in as bad circumstances as you are yourself."
"You are!"
"Yes, yes, I speak the truth. My only ambition is to become an assistant
in my father's office."
"If that is the case," said Nanna, "you must fall in love with a rich
girl only."
"I shall be careful of my own interests I assure you," replied Gottlieb,
"but now this perplexing point is rightly settled--is it not?"
"Yes, you are to marry a wealthy girl, and I am to keep a school, is
that the agreement?"
"Yes, and now we must make another arrangement, which is that we must agree
to meet each other during the evening hours at this spot. I own many
books that will be useful to you, and if you can sing--"
"I can sing a little, and the old sexton says my voice is beautiful."
"Allow me to hear you sing."
"To-morrow, I cannot this evening."
"O, you should not refuse a friend in that manner. It would be quite
different if I was your lover."
Without further words, Nanna commenced singing an old ballad, and her
sweet voice, as she trilled forth the beautiful words of her song, fell
upon the ear of her young companion like the soft music of a bird.
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