CHAPTER IV
THE CONDITION
Marie opened the door. A loud cry of joy escaped her, and she ran to her
room.
Hans, undaunted, stepped up to her father.
"What do you wish?" said the Counselor, with flashing eyes.
"I wish first to thank you for your faith in me."
"You need not thank me," interrupted her father. "I did not cast my vote
for you."
"So?" said Hans, disappointed. "That was not kind. What did you have to
say against me?"
"What, do you still ask the same old question? You well know my opinion
of you. You know that I wish my daughter to marry a good and honorable
man."
"Well," said Hans, "I know a worthy man and I have come to bring him
before you."
"Pray, who can he be?"
"I, worthy Counselor."
"You? Did anyone ever hear such audacity from a beggar boy?"
"Mr. Counselor, I never was a beggar. I was poor, but let that person
come before you who dares say he ever gave me a cent. My father
supported me until his death, when my mother took up the burden. The
only thing I ever received was the King's gift, and for that I never
begged. The King gave it to me out of his big heart. His eye could
pierce with love the soul of humanity; and in me, a poor boy, he sensed
appreciation. Truly, his money has accumulated interest. I am no beggar,
Mr. Counselor, and will not tolerate such a speech."
"No, you will not tolerate it;" said he, somewhat calmed. "Where, then,
is your wealth?"
"Here," said Hans Le Fevre, and he touched his head and his hands.
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