"
The Counselor saw it and paled. He had not dreamed of such a thing. It
sickened him; but, as Counselor, in all propriety and dignity, he would
have to keep his word before these assembled people.
A long pause ensued. Hans kept his patience. Then the Counselor arose,
and taking his daughter by the hand, presented her to Hans, saying, "A
Counselor should never break his word. There, take my child. You have
fulfilled the condition and I keep my vow."
Two young boys hastily brought in some branches from the rose-bush, and
wove wreaths for the pair. With loud approval, they crowned the master
and his bride. Humbly, Hans removed his crown, and laid it on the altar.
"These roses belong to God. With them He saved me. Do you notice,
Marie," said he, as he pointed upward to the curved top of the altar,
"that's what the rose-bush taught me. To you, Mr. Counselor, I would say
that one may bend and still be greater than the one who causes him to
stoop."
A few weeks later, Hans and Marie were married at this altar. It was a
wedding the elegance of which surprised Breisach. For his work the
grateful town had paid Hans a sum of money which, for that period, was a
small fortune.
Marie's father paid all the expenses which this occasion demanded. By
this time he realized how unreasonable he had been, and did all in his
power to make amends. Besides, he now respected his artist son-in-law,
and for many years he lived with the couple in peace and happiness.
THE VINEYARD ON THE HILLSIDE
CHAPTERS.
Pages:
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69