“The fifty thousand crowns mentioned in Article 65th of my testament, and now deposited at the bank of Klarenburg, are to be disposed of by my grandson, Robert, in benevolent purposes. But if he should happen to marry the person among my acquaintances to whom I have already in my own thoughts wished to see him married, as she is the prettiest, the gentlest, the most pious, and the best informed young lady I know, I declare it as my wish and intention, that he and his wife shall life-rent the said sum of fifty thousand crowns deposited as aforesaid. The young lady now in my view as a fitting wife for my grandson is called Joanna; she resembles my late beloved daughter, and is the only child of Mr Wilmar, Inspector of Forests at Blumenwalde. It is my belief that these two young people are destined for each other; and that they will live many happy years together, and see glad days upon earth, for they are both dutiful children, and are compassionate towards the poor and the afflicted; and it is in this belief that I place the means in their hands of gratifying their benevolent feelings. The good seed they shall sow will be more grateful to me hereafter than a monument of marble, which I hereby most earnestly decline.”
“So she has chosen Joanna for me!” exclaimed I joyfully, and hastened back to the ball-room to call Joanna and her father to share my joy. When I had explained the matter to my bride, she said with deep emotion: “The last of my wishes is now fulfilled, in my knowledge that our union is attended by the blessing of her to whom we both owe so much. As for the money, Robert, I hope you will grant my first request, and dispose of a part of the interest in behalf of the sufferers at Herzfelde to whose misfortune it is that I owe the happiness of belonging to you.”
Gladly did I comply with the request of my lovely bride,
