But what were her feelings when she perceived that every shelf lay empty and bare before her ! For a moment she stood bewildered , then broke into such frightful ravings that Lucia ran to her in alarm ; but as soon as she heard of the disappearance of the money she was heartily glad , and no longer feared that her father had come to any harm , but understood that he must have gone out into the world to seek his fortune in some new way . About a month after this , someone knocked at Dame Ilse 's door one day , and she went to see if it was a customer for meal ; but in stepped a handsome young man , dressed like a duke 's son , who greeted her respectfully , and asked after her pretty daughter as if he were an old friend , though she could not remember having ever set eyes upon him before . However , she invited him to step into the house and be seated while he unfolded his business . With a great air of mystery he begged permission to speak to the fair Lucia , of whose skill in needlework he had heard so much , as he had a commission to give her . Dame Ilse had her own opinion as to what kind of commission it was likely to be -- brought by a young stranger to a pretty maiden ; however , as the meeting would be under her own eye , she made no objection , but called to her industrious daughter , who left off working and came obediently ; but when she saw the stranger she stopped short , blushing , and casting down her eyes . He looked at her fondly , and took her hand , which she tried to draw away , crying : ` Ah ! Friedlin , why are you here ? I thought you were a hundred miles away . Are you come to grieve me again ? ' ` No , dearest girl , ' answered he ; ' I am come to complete your happiness and my own . Since we last met my fortune has utterly changed ; I am no longer the poor vagabond that I was then . My rich uncle has died , leaving me money and goods in plenty , so that I dare to present myself to your mother as a suitor for your hand . That I love you I know well ; if you can love me I am indeed a happy man . ' Lucia 's pretty blue eyes had looked up shyly as he spoke , and now a smile parted her rosy lips ; and she stole a glance at her mother to see what she thought about it all ; but the dame stood lost in amazement to find that her daughter , whom she could have declared had never been out of her sight , was already well acquainted with the handsome stranger , and quite willing to be his bride . Before she had done staring , this hasty wooer had smoothed his way by covering the shining table with gold pieces as a wedding gift to the bride 's mother , and had filled Lucia 's apron into the bargain ; after which the dame made no difficulties , and the matter was speedily settled . While Ilse gathered up the gold and hid it away safely , the lovers whispered together , and what Friedlin told her seemed to make Lucia every moment more happy and contented . Now a great hurry-burly began in the house , and preparations for the wedding went on apace . A few days later a heavily laden waggon drove up , and out of it came so many boxes and bales that Dame Ilse was lost in wonder at the wealth of her future son-in-law . The day for the wedding was chosen , and all their friends and neighbours were bidden to the feast .
As Lucia was trying on her bridal wreath she said to her mother : ` This wedding-garland would please me indeed XXXXX father Peter could lead me to the church .
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