“How terrible this is!  A few days ago I happened to say that I wished we had some game for our old father, and now—­now—­”

“Calm yourself,” interrupted Mr. Fabian, extending his hand and enforcing his consolation by a love-tap upon Magde’s shoulder.  In her affliction Magde did not withdraw from this salute, and Mr. Fabian had an opportunity of gazing upon her lovely neck for a full moment, to prolong which he would have given the value of a hundred hares and partridges.  But Magde arousing herself from her stupor, looked her guest full in the face, and there read an expression which displeased her.

With a blush she replaced the handkerchief around her neck, and suddenly enquired: 

“What then, sir, is the real intention of your visit?  You said you would not disturb us, and as the game is untouched we can return it immediately.”

“The game is not the object of my visit.”

“What is then?”

“The theft.  Carl will be brought before the justice, I told you there was a witness to his crime.”

“But how can that happen unless you enter a complaint?”

“Have I not the right to enforce the law which is made to protect our property? but it is possible that I might hush the matter up if I chose; and when I fancy that I see the poor fellow under arrest, when I behold him in the culprit’s box, in the court-room; when I—­”

“May God protect him!” interrupted Magde, “you have said enough, Mr. H——.  I am but the wife of a poor sailor; but if my humble prayers will be of the least avail—­” and Magde, the proud Magde, who before had often dismissed Mr. Fabian with disdainful gestures, now clasped her hands, and looked into his face with an expression of tearful entreaty.

“O, do not despair, my dear Magde,” said he, “such tender prayers and looks, have a wonderful influence upon me.  Aside from that your present attitude is perfectly charming.”

Overpowered by a sudden revulsion of feelings, Magde closed her eyes, and sank her head upon her bosom.

“I see,” said she, “that you do not intend to assist us from our present trouble.”

“On the contrary,” replied Mr. Fabian with much animation, “I will do everything for you, if you will only conduct yourself towards me, in a manner different from that which you have done heretofore.”

“If Mr. H——­ demands nothing more than friendship,” replied Magde, with difficulty repressing her anger, “that shall not be wanting.”

“Nothing more, upon my honor,” said Mr. H——­, joyfully, “if you, dear Magde, will promise that when you meet me you will favor me with a look of kindness, I assure you by my honor, that nothing more shall be heard about this unpleasant affair; and as a proof that we shall hereafter be friends, I demand the slight favor of a kiss.”

“That cannot be,” replied Magde, with the coolness of despair, “I love Carl as my brother, and will give anything to preserve him from disgrace, except that which does not belong to me.”