Page:Popular Tales and Romances of the Northern Nations (Volume 2).djvu/56

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
44
The Spectre Barber.

inspired him with the happy thought of communicating the cause of his absence to her, by having prayers put up for his success, in that church where Mela and her mother generally attended. For this purpose he gave the priest a small sum of money to offer up a daily prayer for a young man obliged to travel abroad, and for success in his undertaking. This prayer was to be continued till his return, when he was to purchase a thanksgiving.

The last time he met Mela he was dressed for his journey; he passed quite close by her and his salutation more open and marked than usual, was as full of meaning as he could make it. She blushed, and mother Brigitta scolded, making many unpleasant remarks, and plainly expressed her vexation at the impudence of the young fellow who meant to ruin her danghter’s reputation, which theme she animadverted on the whole day. Frank however, was not seen any longer in Bremen, and was often sought after by the most lovely eyes in his native city.

Mela heard the prayer read very often, that