Pastor.

[_Doubtfully shrugging his shoulders_.] Well!

Mrs. Brauer.

[_Alarmed_.] He is not worse, I hope?

Pastor.

At the age of eighty, my dear lady, one cannot be said to be growing stronger.

Brauer.

Ah, I see, Pastor, you are somewhat of a philosopher. Will you take something?

Pastor.

You are very kind. A good gla.s.s of brandy is half the morning sun.

Brauer.

Now that is a manly word, Pastor.

Pastor.

Oh! thank you! Your health! [_Drinks_.]

Brauer.

Will you take something, George?

George.

No thank you, uncle, not now.

Mrs. Brauer.

When did you arrive, Pastor?

Pastor.

Just three weeks ago.

Mrs. Brauer.

And do you like our town?

Pastor.

Very much indeed, thank you. I find the whole world beautiful; but the surroundings here are exceptionally so. Yes, this place to me seems doubly attractive, for here every one seems smiling and happy---- Pardon me. Miss, you have dropped the napkin.

[Marie _smilingly bows her acknowledgment_.]

[Gertrude _exits, stifling a laugh_.]

Brauer.

Pastor, you will pardon this rudeness, she is still a child.

Pastor.

Oh, certainly, certainly; for she is right. I have not yet been able to overcome my old tendency to play the gallant in the presence of ladies--and in this frock--I know--I must look somewhat ridiculous.

Brauer.

Tell me. Pastor, how did you happen to obtain this position?

Pastor.

Well, you see, that, too, is partly connected with this coat. There were four of us, cla.s.smates--who, after graduating, were eagerly awaiting the call to save the sinful world--and among them, myself the only one who was, what you might say, in fairly good financial circ.u.mstances. We were now and then compelled, first one and then the other, to present ourselves at the board of directors--and as a consequence my coat suffered severely. Now it really never fitted any one of my comrades and at my suggestion we finally purchased a coat, that came nearer fitting each of us, striking a happy medium, as it were, to every one's satisfaction. Then, about four weeks ago, an ex-fellow-student--the curate of the cathedral--came to us, with this information: "Ye holy men, list ye to me. In yon Lithuanian mountains lives a minister of the gospel, who, on account of his extreme age and feebleness, is incapacitated from properly performing his duties. And as there are four of you, I propose that you draw straws and leave it to chance who shall be the favored one." At that the others unanimously declared: "No, he who has shared with us his clothing shall be the favored one"--and--well, here I am and, I fear, not half as pious as I look.

Brauer.

Ah, courage, Pastor, courage----

Pastor.

Pray do not think that I am ashamed of my calling; believe me, like our Lord and Master, my heart aches for suffering humanity, and therefore it has ever been my desire to follow in His footsteps. Besides, it was my father's wish. You must know my father is a well-to-do farmer--there are no really large estates in the lowlands--but he has considerable--yes, I might say, a great deal of money--and owing to my early surroundings, I'm afraid I am much better suited for a farmer than a minister of the gospel. But I will not give up, and continue to struggle and rid myself of all my bad habits. Your health!

Brauer.

Do you know, Pastor, I am beginning to like you! Do you wish to remain here and take the old pastor's place?

Pastor.

I really would like----

Brauer.

Very well, my vote you shall have!

Pastor.

You are very kind, indeed. With such a position I should be quite content, and to complete my happiness----but, by-the-bye, the object of my visit was, really, the bridal-sermon. I am afraid our good old pastor will not be able now----

Mrs. Brauer.

Ah----