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so careless as to tell me, as though she were proud of the fact, that Ännchen liked me well. This tidings ran like fire through my every limb. Until then I had supposed that my parents would never countenance my having the slightest acquaintance with a girl outside the family, while I was still so young. Now, however, (so necessary is it to avoid leading astray by a single thoughtless word, those whose minds are set in sensible opinions!). I gathered clearly from my mother's words that I might indeed entertain such thoughts. For a time I did not let it be seen, but my inner joy was all the greater, that now the door had been opened to me too, to mingle with those who were young and gay. From this time on, as may be supposed, I showed a decidedly friendly face to Ännchen whenever occasion afforded, but dare to express any word of love - O, not for the world could I have been so bold.

So I thought, when Ännchen, who had possibly noticed me and my timidity some time before, came up to me, took me by the hand in a friendly manner and said "Uli, you take a turn with me too!" Blushing as red as fire, I replied: "I cannot, Ännchen! Truly, I cannot!" - "Treat me to a half, then," she rejoined, I could not tell whether in spite or earnest. "You don't mean it, you tease", I therefore answered. And she: "Upon my soul, I do mean it." I, turning pale as death: "On my soul, Ännchen, today I must not! Another day - to be sure, I should like it, but I must not!" That must have gone to her head a little, but she gave no sign of it, withdrew unconcernedly and went about her business as before. I too stumbled from place to place for a while, then like the others I set out for home.

There was no doubt that Ännchen had been watching me. Near the village she came up with me. "Uli, Uli! There's nobody else here now. Come with me to Seppi's and treat me to a half!" - "Wherever you like," said I, and with that we continued on our way for a few minutes in silence. "Ännchen, Ännchen!" I burst out again, "I must tell you outright, I have no money. Father gives me nothing extra but a little for a drink, and that I have spent in the town. Believe me, I should have liked to do it very much - and to see you home later on! Oh! but then I should be in trouble with father afterwards. Truly, Ännchen! It would be for the first time, I've never before been so bold as to treat a girl to wine, and now, though I should so much like to, and none more willingly than yourself, believe me, please, please, I cannot and I dare not. Another time for sure, if you will only wait until I have the money and permission."

"Why, for goodness' sake, you dolt!", rejoined Ännchen,. "your father has not said anything about it, and as for your mother, I'll be bound she knows already which way the wind is blowing. Money, what's money, anyway? I don't care about the drink or the money either. Here," and she thrust her hand into her pocket, "here's enough, I should think, for you to pay, as it's the custom. I don't care, I would pay for you if it were the fashion." Pouf, I stood there like butter in the sunshine, but at last in fear and trembling gave Ännchen my hand, and so at last we went into the village, to the Angel. Everything swam before my eyes as I came into the room with her, all the tables were swarming with people, who all turned their gaze upon us, for an instant at least. I thought again at this moment, that Heaven and earth must indeed look with favour upon him who had such a sweet girl by his side. We drank our measure neither too swiftly nor too slowly, but there was little talking, probably through my fault. In rapture, glowing with wine and love, but

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The cellars under such buildings were often used as shops and taverns.

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