I had often in the dreams of poets found the image of that domestic purity and bliss for which I longed, but never had I seen my ideal realized till I visited Blumenwalde. I was received like an old friend. Joanna had probably already succeeded in placing me very high in her father’s regards, his welcome was so cordial; and he spoke of the distresses of the poor people with so much feeling that the old man instantly won my heart. We talked of the probable aid which must be given the unhappy cottagers at Herzfelde, and Joanna’s whole countenance lightened up when I declared that I had Mr Blum’s full authority to settle every matter in which he was interested, and that I should only anticipate his intention by instantly rebuilding the houses, and assisting the villagers by such loans as they needed.
“You see, papa,” cried Joanna triumphantly, “I was not mistaken in the opinion I had formed of Mr Blum; he is just what I expected he would be!”
“And what did you expect him to be?” inquired I with a smile, hoping to hear a favourable opinion of myself fall from her coral lips.
The girl replied that “Mrs Milbirn had always spoken with a kind of pride of her grandson, and of his generous disposition. And then,” she added, while a deep blush suffused her beautiful countenance, “I think he must be good, being your friend.”
We walked into the garden, the old gentleman remaining within doors in consequence of his gout. Joanna now told me that she had lost her mother in early life, and gave me an account of the many happy days which she had spent with my grandmother, so that I instantly recognised in her the seventh adjutant, and almost exclaimed aloud in the joy of my heart, “It must be she my grandmother meant!” It was my first intention to return to Klarenburg that evening; but
