"You must not speak so when any one can hear you," she would reply.
Carl would then nod his head pleasantly, and one day he learned the
secret, for he felt he could not remain long on this earth, and he
wished to know all, and aside from that Nanna was anxious to discover
whether he believed as firmly as she did in Gottlieb's vows.
"Do you think, Carl," said she, as she concluded her recital, "do you
think he will return?"
"As certainly as I shall never see the sun rise on St. John's day, for
I saw that in his eye, which assured me he would not break his
promises."
"Why do you use such an ominous comparison, Carl? Why do you think you
will not see the sunrise on St. John's day?"
The pain caused by the beginning of Carl's remark, clouded the pure joy
which his concluding words would have otherwise created.
"I am waiting," said he, "only that I may see the lilacs bloom once
more. In those beautiful flowers I have found my greatest joy."
Old Mr. Lonner occasionally attempted to prepare his son's mind for the
future which awaited him; but he ceased when one day Carl innocently
addressed him:
"Father," said he, "I wish you would not talk with me thus.
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