He: He would like to tell me his reasons in writing in a few days, as he now needs time to discuss them.

Me: Well, I just have to say it again that he is taking on someone else's responsibility. --

I became violent several times, declaring that I wanted my bride to be indebted to no one in the world but her own free decision and the consent of her father;

Another time, he said, admonishing me to be patient, he would have had the same thing with his bride before he could have received her parents' consent.

Me: Nobody else would have intervened then; I would also have the consent of my bride's parents, and I didn't need that of my guardians because I was of age. By the way, I would still like to accept his conscientiousness if he had been asked to attend the wedding; But I wouldn't have even thought of that, and nobody would have complained about it, and so on, and so on.

( 170 ) Was it anger over Kavel's rule or was it love for dear Bertha, enough tears came to my eyes as I walked away from Pastor Kavel. Bertha, however, was astonished by the news I brought her and could not understand what Schlinke's affair had to do with the society in Dresden, but she nevertheless did not want to reflect badly on Pastor Kavel and she very much disliked the harsh expressions that came out from me now and then. In the evening we were just as confidential as usual, but her fear didn't let her give me the kiss I asked for, and she only admitted to keeping the ring when I told her that I would never ask for it back, even in the worst case scenario. Oh how true is what I accused Pastor Kavel of, that he had alienated my bride's heart from me. –

Dark and difficult is the path that you, my God, would have me walk; but certainly, You will illuminate and enlighten him. In this important matter, which You have promoted so far, grant me on the one hand wise moderation and on the other hand courageous determination, so that I may not harm myself or your cause either through passionate impatience or through tame, unmanly indulgence. Amen.

I am now curious about Kavel's reasons and Fiedler's answer to the question: whether he would give his consent to our engagement, even if Pastor Kavel persists in his opinion.

( 171 ) It is not entirely clear to me whether Pastor Kavel wants to report the matter to the society in Dresden or to please Mr. Schlinke. I would like to believe the former because he emphasizes their paternal rights and mentions that they