how we are obliged to economize, and yet I can only praise the pride of my father, who induced me to return the gifts which the Council sends to the house by the town clerk when I sing in the Convivium musicum.  But what a pleasure it is to show the bloated fellow the door when he pulls out the linen purse!  True, many things must be sacrificed to do it, and how hard that often is can not be described.  I would not bear it long.  But, if I were your wife and you had only property enough for a modest competence, you would scarcely fare better, through my fault, than my poor father.  That would surely be the result”—­she raised her voice in passionate eagerness as she spoke: 

“I know myself.  As for the immediate future, I feel that the ever-increasing longing for better days and the rank which is my due will kill me if I do not satisfy it speedily.  I shall never be content with any half-way position, and I fear you can not offer me more.  Talk with my father, and think of it during the night.  Were I in your place, I would at once resign the wish to win a person like me, for if you really love me as ardently as it seems, you will receive in exchange only a lukewarm liking for your person and a warm interest in what you can accomplish; but in other respects, far worse than nothing—­peril after peril.  But if you will be reasonable and give up your suit, I shall not blame you a moment.  How bewildered you still stare at me!  But there comes father, and I must finish my work before the irons get cold.”

Wolf gazed after her speechlessly, while she withdrew behind the table as quietly as if they had been discussing the most commonplace things.

ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS: 

A live dog is better than a dead king
Always more good things in a poor family which was once rich
Harder it is to win a thing the higher its value becomes
No happiness will thrive on bread and water

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