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Page 32
"In what manner, dear aunt," replied Gottlieb.
"Is it your custom when in your father's house to remain away all day
when young ladies are visiting your parents?"
"Nothing would have been thought about it if such had been the case. My
mother is not overfond of such strict principles of etiquette."
"That is to be regretted, for boys who have not been carefully guided,
rarely become gallant and well behaved young men; but we will say no
more on that subject."
"In that I concur."
"We will therefore confine ourselves to that subject to which an innate
knowledge guides us."
"That leads us back upon the same road."
"On the contrary, my young friend, if you will permit me to follow my
own course I will place you on the road to heaven."
"Are you sure, my dear Aunt, that you have discovered the right road?"
"Certainly, only think, a ton and a half of gold; beauty, amiability,
and a knowledge of cookery which excels that of Miss Nylander [The
author of a celebrated Swedish cook book.] herself!"
"But love, my dear aunt, is that not to be found in heaven?"
"O, yes, and it might have already made rapid progress if you had
assisted me in my first step towards the completion of my designs, by
remaining at home instead of running away."
"Which proves that nothing existed before in which love could take
root."
"Nonsense!" exclaimed Mrs. Ulrica, "if you wish to succeed your father
you ought to improve your situation by some good marriage. Miss
Charlotte is a lovely blonde, and Miss Sophia, a beautiful brunette, a
perfect Spanish donna."
"Yes, she has a remarkable resemblance to a donna; but unfortunately I
do not prefer Spanish ladies."
"Well, then Charlotte possesses an affectionate disposition. You cannot
but admire her fine sensitive nature, which should kindle a love
equalling Werther's love of Lotta."
"That is precisely what I fear. How would I look imitating Werther?"
"I do not wish you to follow his example. Charlotte is a girl for whose
sake a man might act foolishly, and still be pardoned--then you prefer
Charlotte?"
"No, above all things in the world I detest preferences."
"That is to say, you will cheerfully take the one of the two sisters you
most admire after you have had an opportunity of visiting them a few
weeks, and judging of their good qualities for yourself."
"Nothing of the kind, dear Aunt."
"Then, what do you mean?"
"That I have a great desire to look out for myself in this matter; and
that taking all things into consideration, I am much too young to think
of marriage."
"Then you despise your aunt's assistance?"
"God forbid that such a sentiment should ever enter my heart. I honor
and love God. I am grateful to Him that He has given me a heart, and I
pray Him not to send me a bride which that heart cannot love."
"Your words sound well; but I shall not have my little plot marred by
them. Will you or will you not, accompany me to the parsonage, and
conduct yourself as you should before the young ladies?"
"I will behave politely towards any young lady; but, aunt, if you have
any other meaning concealed beneath those words then--I will say no!"
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