“Do you think so?” exclaimed Agricola surprised.  “But what could be done with this young lady?”

“Did she not say to you,” answered Mother Bunch, “’Remember my name; and in all circumstances address yourself to me?’”

“She did indeed!” replied Agricola.

“This young lady, in her exalted position, ought to have powerful connections who will be able to protect and defend you.  Go to her to morrow morning; tell her frankly what has happened, and request her support.”

“But tell me, my good sister, what it is you wish me to do?”

“Listen.  I remember that, in former times, my father told us that he had saved one of his friends from being put in prison, by becoming surety for him.  It will be easy for you so to convince this young lady of your innocence, that she will be induced to become surety; and after that, you will have nothing more to fear.”

“My poor child!” said Agricola, “to ask so great a service from a person to whom one is almost unknown is hard.”

“Believe me, Agricola,” said the other sadly, “I would never counsel what could possibly lower you in the eyes of any one, and above all—­do you understand?—­above all, in the eyes of this young lady.  I do not propose that you should ask money from her; but only that she should give surety for you, in order that you may have the liberty of continuing at your employment, so that the family may not be without resources.  Believe me, Agricola, that such a request is in no respect inconsistent with what is noble and becoming upon your part.  The heart of the young lady is generous.  She will comprehend your position.  The required surety will be as nothing to her; while to you it will be everything, and will even be the very life to those who depend upon you.”

“You are right, my good sister,” said Agricola, with sadness and dejection.  “It is perhaps worth while to risk taking this step.  If the young lady consent to render me this service, and if giving surety will indeed preserve me from prison, I shall be prepared for every event.  But no, no!” added he, rising, “I’d never dare to make the request to her!  What right have I to do so?  What is the insignificant service that I rendered her, when compared with that which I should solicit from her?”

“Do you imagine then, Agricola, that a generous spirit measures the services which ought to be rendered, by those previously received?  Trust to me respecting a matter which is an affair of the heart.  I am, it is true, but a lowly creature, and ought not to compare myself with any other person.  I am nothing, and I can do nothing.  Nevertheless, I am sure—­yes, Agricola, I am sure—­that this young lady, who is so very far above me, will experience the same feelings that I do in this affair; yes, like me, she will at once comprehend that your position is a cruel one; and she will do with joy, with happiness, with thankfulness, that which I would do, if, alas!  I could do anything more than uselessly consume myself with regrets.”