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But this remark had its good side, too; for the gentlemen now decided that, in order that the work be given to the most competent, it would be advisable to send to Durer all the designs thus far submitted, and ask his opinion in the matter.

Marie cried bitterly when she heard of the treatment Hans had received; but Hans did not yet despair. At the same time that these worthy gentlemen dispatched the designs to Durer, Hans sent a letter to his great friend and teacher, in whom he had great faith.

Weeks elapsed. The Counselor’s attention was directed to affairs of state, and thus withdrawn from his daughter, who lived and bloomed with the returning spring.

Hans had opened his desolate house, for which, in the meantime, he had carved a beautiful front door. Notwithstanding all the depreciation expressed for the native artist’s ability, this door caused quite a sensation.

Durer’s answer was long delayed. At last, after four weeks, the letter arrived. Who can describe the astonishment of the assembled committee, as the contents of the letter revealed the design of the disdainfully rejected applicant, Hans Le Fevre.

Durer wrote, “With the very best intentions, I could recommend no wiser course for you to pursue than to use the sketch presented by my friend and pupil, Hans Le Fevre; and I will furnish security for the complete execution of his plan. I cannot understand how a town that harbors in its midst such a genius, should look abroad for other artists. Hans Le Fevre is such an honorable lad and such a great artist, that the town of Breisach should be proud to name him as her own, and should do everything in its power to hold him captive; for to Hans the world lies open, and only his attachment to Breisach has moved him to return there once more.”

Directly upon receipt of this letter, an unheard of number of villagers crowded the narrow street. Hans, who was working quietly in his shop ran to the window to see what the noise was about. But lo! the crowd had stopped at his house and loudly did they make the brazen knocker resound, as it struck the carved lion’s head upon the door.

Hans came forth, and before him stood a deputation of men in festive attire, followed by a throng of residents.

“What do you desire of me?” asked Hans, surprised.

“Hans Le Fevre,” began the speaker, “the honorable Counselor makes known to you that he has finally decided to honor your application, with the instruction that if money be needed for the purchase of materials, application may be made to the clerk of the town.”

Hans clapped his hands in glee. “Is it true–is it possible!” said he. “To whom am I indebted for this good fortune?”

“The Council sends you this letter which we will now read before these assembled people.” Hans had not noticed in his joy that his neighbor, the Counselor, had angrily closed his windows, as if the praise bestowed upon the young artist might offend his ears.

After the deputation had departed, and Hans found himself alone, he dressed, put a flower in his buttonhole, and walked over to the Counselor’s house; for now the moment had arrived when he could prove his worth.

CHAPTER IV

THE CONDITION

Marie opened the door. A loud cry of joy escaped her, and she ran to her room.

Hans, undaunted, stepped up to her father.

“What do you wish?” said the Counselor, with flashing eyes.

“I wish first to thank you for your faith in me.”

“You need not thank me,” interrupted her father. “I did not cast my vote for you.”

“So?” said Hans, disappointed. “That was not kind. What did you have to say against me?”

“What, do you still ask the same old question? You well know my opinion of you. You know that I wish my daughter to marry a good and honorable man.”

“Well,” said Hans, “I know a worthy man and I have come to bring him before you.”