Not long ago my master went on a journey , and brought back with him , amongst other treasures , the portrait of a fair maiden so sweet and lovely that I lost my heart at first sight of it , and could think of nothing but how I might seek her out and marry her . The count had told me her name , and where she lived , but laughed at my love , and absolutely refused to give me leave to go in search of her , so I was forced to run away from the castle by night . I soon reached the little town where the maiden dwelt ; but there fresh difficulties awaited me . She lived under the care of her mother , who was so severe that she was never allowed to look out of the window , or set her foot outside the door alone , and how to make friends with her I did not know . But at last I dressed myself as an old woman , and knocked boldly at her door . The lovely maiden herself opened it , and so charmed me that I came near forgetting my disguise ; but I soon recovered my wits , and begged her to work a fine table-cloth for me , for she is reported to be the best needlewoman in all the country round . Now I was free to go and see her often under the presence of seeing how the work was going oil , and one day , when her mother had gone to the town , I ventured to throw off my disguise , and tell her of my love . She was startled at first ; but I persuaded her to listen to me , and I soon saw that I was not displeasing to her , though she scolded me gently for my disobedience to my master , and my deceit in disguising myself . But when I begged her to marry me , she told me sadly that her mother would scorn a penniless wooer , and implored me to go away at once , lest trouble should fall upon her . ` Bitter as it was to me , I was forced to go when she bade me , and I have wandered about ever since , with grief gnawing at my heart ; for how can a masterless man , without money or goods , ever hope to win the lovely Lucia ? ' Master Peter , who had been listening attentively , pricked up his ears at the sound of his daughter 's name , and very soon found out that it was indeed with her that this young man was so deeply in love . ` Your story is strange indeed , ' said he . ` But where is the father of this maiden -- why do you not ask him for her hand ? He might well take your part , and be glad to have you for his son-in-law . ' ` Alas ! ' said the young man , ` her father is a wandering good-for-naught , who has forsaken wife and child , and gone off -- who knows where ? The wife complains of him bitterly enough , and scolds my dear maiden when she takes her father 's part . ' Father Peter was somewhat amused by this speech ; but he liked the young man well , and saw that he was the very person he needed to enable him to enjoy his wealth in peace , without being separated from his dear daughter . ` If you will take my advice , ' said he , ' I promise you that you shall marry this maiden whom you love so much , and that before you are many days older . ' ` Comrade , ' cried Friedlin indignantly , for he thought Peter did but jest with him , ` it is ill done to mock at an unhappy man ; you had better find someone else who will let himself be taken in with your fine promises . '
And up he sprang , and was going off hastily , when Master Peter caught him XXXXX the arm .
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