IN THE WIDE WORLD.
DEAR reader, have you ever seen a lovely forest flower whose delicate
bloom and delicious fragrance has charmed your senses? Have you lifted
it carefully from the ground, gently loosening each slender root, taken
it home and planted it, nursing it with the most assiduous attention,
in order that you might watch at your leisure its expanding loveliness?
Did you not give it the finest mould, water it night and morning, and
give it fresh air, sunshine or shade, as it might require it?
And see, at first the tender little head will droop, then it will raise
itself again and shoot up quickly and strongly: blossom succeeds to
blossom and leaf to leaf in unusual luxuriance, till all at once, in
spite of every loving and tender care, it comes to a standstill, and a
marked change begins to appear. The buds no longer burst into flower,
the leaves and their stems shrivel up, fade, and fall off; the plant
sickens, and all your efforts to breathe into it new, fresh, vigorous
existence only serve to prolong for a brief space its waning life, for
a week, a month, perhaps even a year.
But at last, notwithstanding your care, the little branches stand quite
bare and withered, and your cherished plant is dead, without a hope of
recovery. Surely, you thought, it must be better off for you here than
in the forest, exposed to all weathers, the parching sunshine or the
icy blast, with no one to care whether it was moist or dry. True, but
then out there it was placed in just the right spot and the right soil,
and no attention, or love, or care that you can bestow, can make up for
that, and it will wither and die.
So it was with Bastel, when he was suddenly taken from the quiet
loneliness of the depth of the forest, and plunged into the bustle and
turmoil of the world—transplanted from the simple cottage that had been
his home since he first saw the light, to the glitter and pomp of a
rich man's house in a strange city.
At first, he forgot everything in the new and hitherto unknown
experiences that crowded upon him at every turn. With wondering eyes
he looked around, and gazed at all that seemed strange or rare; at
the cultivated and fruitful plains, so different from the wild wooded
mountains of his distant home; the great cities, with their magnificent
palaces, churches, and museums; the soldiers with their polished arms
and uniforms, and the thousands of gaily-dressed people who thronged
the streets; the great rivers with their steamers and sailing vessels;
and the railroad with its snorting iron horse that seemed to him to fly
over the ground on the wings of the wind.
He became a different creature,—he was no longer the bold, fearless
Bastel of the woods. The unwonted life made him shy, and confused
his clear mind, pressing with heavy weight on his heart and senses.
Secretly he envied Adelbert, who seemed so easy and confident in the
midst of all this turmoil, and who was never surprised at anything.
Indeed, he not only envied him, but watched him with shy wonder, and
felt himself as much his inferior now, as he had imagined himself his
superior in the woods, where he had laughed at and made fun of him.
Their places were just reversed: Adelbert was now the wise, skilful,
and clever one, whilst poor Bastel hung his head and became so
excessively awkward and silly, that when Adelbert laughed at him, as he
often did, for his complete ignorance of the ways of the world, he let
it pass meekly and silently.
"Don't vex yourself about it, Bastel," Herr Brockmann would say to him
encouragingly, "you will soon get used to these things, and he who has
a brave spirit quickly masters them. You will get on better in Hamburg
than you do now on the journey, where everything sweeps before your
eyes and dazzles you."
Bastel sighed, and felt strong doubts on the point, spite of these
assurances, whilst his heart yearned for his native woods and hills.
There, he certainly did not see so much that was new, and beautiful,
and magnificent, but then what he did see was familiar to him. At
home he had not such good clothes as he now wore, but they were more
useful to him; these only constrained and distressed him, pretty as
they were; whereas, the old linen jacket and breeches were so easy
and comfortable. If he had not been afraid of appearing weak and
changeable, he would have asked Herr Brockmann, on the very first day
of the journey, to let him go home again. But the sense of shame was
stronger even than his longing for his native woods and hills, so he
held his tongue, and betrayed as little as possible of his state of
mind.
But Herr Brockmann had sharp eyes, and read his thoughts.
"Have patience, Bastel," said he. "In a year or so, you will think
otherwise, I hope and believe."
"We are quits now, Bastel," said Adelbert laughing, as one day in
Berlin he was rallying him for having mistaken a grandly-dressed
footman for a nobleman at least, if not for the king himself, and had
waved his hand to him. "If I was a silly boy in the forest, you are not
the wisest boy in the city; we are quits now, eh, Bastel?"
"Oh yes," answered Bastel, still red with annoyance at his mistake, "I
am quite ashamed of myself for having laughed at and made fun of you,
and it is quite fair that I should be the one to be laughed at now. My
father spoke truly when he said 'every one should keep his own place,'
and certainly the city is not mine."
"You will soon get used to it, Bastel," said Adelbert good-naturedly.
"You will find that it is not so difficult for you, as for a town child
to get accustomed to a forest life. I found that out when I tried to
hew the logs of wood in pieces. It is pleasant and easy to live in the
city when it becomes familiar to you; only wait till we are in Hamburg."
A few days afterwards they arrived at Hamburg. And then Bastel soon
perceived that Adelbert was not far wrong in what he had said. He found
it very pleasant and easy to live in the great city as far as fatigue
and bodily hardships were concerned. For during the first part of his
stay, he had nothing whatever to do but to eat, drink, and sleep,
go for walks and drives, and make acquaintance with the new world,
under the care of his experienced friend Adelbert. That was not very
difficult. But his wonder and astonishment did not all at once give
place to presence of mind and perfect ease.
However, by degrees, unaccustomed things became familiar to him, and he
held up his head again, as briskly and boldly as he had done at home;
not, however, till he had overcome somewhat the feeling of shyness and
depression; and not, indeed, before he had committed various blunders
and mistakes. He opened his eyes and wondered more than ever, when
Adelbert led him for the first time through the rooms in his father's
house, then through the great warehouses, and lastly to the villa on
the banks of the Elbe. He had seen a great many strange and beautiful
things in the hotels on the journey, but nothing that could compare
with the splendour, magnificence, and luxury he found in the dwelling
of the rich merchant.
When he thought of his father's small, poor cottage in the Hartz
mountains, what a contrast was there! The large, lofty rooms, the
beautiful statues, the pictures and mirrors in their broad, gilded
frames adorning the walls, the bright, gorgeously-coloured carpets, on
which at first he hardly dared to tread; the softly-stuffed chairs and
sofas, on which he almost feared to sit, lest he should sink entirely
in them; the costly cabinets of rare woods, filled with all kinds of
things for which he knew no use,—all dazzled and bewildered him, for he
had had no idea of the existence even of such magnificence.
Even the few things he was accustomed to, were presented to him in a
strange form,—for instance, the washstand when he went to his luxurious
bedroom the first night at Hamburg. On the journey he had always slept
by himself, washed himself as he had been used to do it, and then
jumped into his clothes as quickly as possible. In Hamburg he shared
Adelbert's room, and the washstand placed ready for each of them was
furnished with all kinds of things he had never even seen. Combs and
brushes of every conceivable shape and form; boxes and glasses filled
with soaps, tooth powder, and fragrant oils and essences, stood there
in convenient order; he could not possibly guess their different uses.
Adelbert had either to tell him or show him what they were for, and
had many a hearty laugh at his comical mistakes, such as taking a
nail-brush for a toothbrush, or using pomade instead of tooth powder,
and then making absurdly wry faces.
"If my mother only saw how folks wash and dress, and oil and soap
themselves in the city," said he, "she would hold up her hands in
wonder and amazement. We don't use all these things in our parts,
Adelbert. In the morning we wash at the brook, pass a comb through our
hair, and we are dressed for the day in five minutes."
"But surely you cleaned your teeth," said Adelbert, "how else are they
so white and polished?"
"I don't know, I'm sure," replied Bastel, "they were always so; I
suppose when one has to bite through the thick pieces of hard black
bread we always have for breakfast, that cleans them."
"Perhaps so," said Adelbert with a knowing look, "but that won't do in
the city. Here you must brush your teeth at after least three times
a day,—in the morning, dinner, and before you go to bed. Did you not
notice my doing so yesterday?"
"Oh yes, but I thought you had a nasty taste in your mouth you wanted
to get rid of," said Bastel; "well, I never heard of such thing!"
At table, too, Bastel made many mistakes. He could not distinguish
between large and small plates, knives, forks and spoons, nor find a
proper use for all the numerous articles belonging to a well-ordered
table in a rich man's house. It was all so new and strange to him, and
although he admired it very much, yet he could not help thinking that
it was much more comfortable at home, when one put one's spoon into the
dish and ate out of it till one had had enough.
All the forms and ceremonies of city life were burdensome to him.
However, after he had a few times taken oil for vinegar, poured gravy
over the salad instead of over the meat, when he had awkwardly and
clumsily broken a few plates and glasses, taken caviare for cartwheel
grease, and declared and maintained that oysters were nasty snails, he
fell at last into the new ways and forms, and learnt from Adelbert's
example how a well-mannered boy should behave at table. Only he could
not get accustomed to drinking wine and eating oysters, but kept to the
boiled and roast meats and the water-jug.
Adelbert laughed at him about it, but Herr Brockmann approved.
"Be always contented with water, Bastel," said he, "it is far better
than so much wine."
After about a week, when Bastel had become rather more at home,
Adelbert thought it was time he should see something of the city.
He begged leave to drive him himself, and his father consented, on
condition that a steady, responsible servant accompanied them, to guard
against accident.
So Adelbert ordered his little carriage and ponies, the boys seated
themselves, the servant jumped up behind, and Adelbert drove gaily
into the city towards the harbour, where his father's house of
business stood. Bastel wondered at the skill with which he managed the
mettlesome and high-couraged little animals, and was obliged to confess
secretly that he had behaved somewhat foolishly to him in the forest.
"He knows so much, and can do so many things that I cannot," thought he
to himself; "what a mistake it was to laugh at him because he was not
familiar with my ways!"
Bastel admired him still more when they went into Herr Brockmann's
great warehouses, and Adelbert pointed out the stores of rare goods
that came from all parts of the world, and explained to him their
purposes and use. It was only natural that Adelbert should be familiar
with all this, for from his earliest youth he had been used to it,
but Bastel marvelled at the extent of his knowledge, and felt very
insignificant and ignorant in comparison.
"You are greatly to be envied, Adelbert, for knowing so much," said he;
"I see plainly it will be very difficult for me to become like you,
and, indeed, I do not think I shall ever be that as long as I live."
Adelbert laughed and said, "It seems a little difficult now, but in a
month's time you will know as much as I do. But come along, we will go
to the harbour and look at the ships; you will stare then, you have
nothing like them in your mountains."
"More new and wonderful things yet!" sighed Bastel. "When will they
come to an end? I feel already quite confused and bewildered."
However, Adelbert would not let him rest, but led him to a point whence
he could see the whole harbour at a glance, and amused himself highly
at his expressions of wonder.
And certainly his astonishment was greater here than it had been
anywhere else. The large ships crowding together hull to hull, the
forest of masts rising before him, the hundreds of gay pennons and
flags, the sails flapping loosely from the yards, the small boats
plying backwards and forwards, the business-like activity prevailing
everywhere, the different dresses of the foreigners, the majestic
ships in full sail gliding down the broad stream, the large steamers
beating the water with their monstrous paddle-wheels, a thick black
smoke streaming behind them like a dark banner,—the whole presented
a picture, whose several details might well be enough to overwhelm
the simple youth, who had so lately left the quiet loneliness of his
distant mountain home.
Bastel stood silent for some time, with clasped hands and fixed eyes,
and seemed as if he could never tire of gazing, and wondering at this
remarkable scene.
"It is too much, it is too much," stammered he at length, "it
overwhelms me; I shall never be able to master all these things."
"In a month you will," asserted Adelbert with confidence. "One gets
used to all this much quicker than to chopping wood."
In a merry mood he led his friend to the harbour, stepped with him into
a boat, and was rowed into the midst of the ships, where he gave Bastel
many instructions and explanations.
"There, look," said he, "that is an east Indiaman, come from Bombay
or Calcutta; you can tell that by the dark faces of the sailors, they
are Lascars and natives of India. This schooner is a Maltese vessel;
the sailors' red caps tell you that. Here is a Dutch whaler that has
brought sperm-oil and whalebone from the Polar seas; you may know it
easily by the greasy look of the vessel and the crew. Ah! Here is the
'Elizabeth,' my father's finest three-masted ship; it arrived last
night from the West Indies, laden with sugar, coffee, and tobacco.
We will go on board, for you ought to see a vessel like that. Pull
alongside, my man. Halloa, on board there! Lower away the ladder!"
Adelbert's loud call brought the mate to the side of the ship.
He looked angry at first, but when he saw it was the owner's son, his
cross look gave place to a friendly one. "Young Master Adelbert!" cried
he. "Welcome on board, sir! Here, my men, be quick with the ladder."
The ladder was lowered over the vessel's side, and Adelbert sprang
nimbly up, whilst Bastel, who was generally a bold and active climber,
followed cautiously and timidly. Adelbert laughed at him.
"You do well to laugh at me," said Bastel, laughing himself a little
nervously, "here you are quite at home, whilst I feel uncertain and
strange about everything; you did not laugh at me at my home."
"Very true, Bastel, but I did not mean it unkindly," answered Adelbert;
"you know 'every man in his place;' you were my superior there, and
here it is just the reverse; don't be cross about it, you have plenty
more to see yet. Show us round, mate; this is my friend and brother
Bastel, a good fellow, but he is from the country and knows nothing
about ships."
The mate willingly and good-humouredly did as he was requested, and
took the two boys all over the ship, from the upper deck to the hold,
giving them at the same time short but clear explanations of all that
must necessarily be new and strange to Bastel, who listened to him
with marked attention, and gazed with interest at everything,—the
neatly-fitted cabin of the captain, the high masts, the heavy anchors,
the little compass, the confusion of sails and ropes, and the simple
hammocks of the sailors. Everything was so entirely new to him that of
course it possessed unusual interest.
"And now, what shall we do?" said Adelbert, as they came on deck again.
"Shall we take a look at the masts up above?"
He hoped that Bastel would not venture upon it, and that he should
enjoy a good laugh at his expense. But he forgot that where climbing
was concerned Bastel was in his element, for often at home he had
climbed to the highest branches of the oak, the beech, and the pine.
"If the masts were not so thick," answered Bastel as he measured the
height with his eye, "from the first landing-place up there, I could
manage very well, but down here no one could clasp them."
"If nothing else hinders you, young gentleman," said the mate, "yonder
are the rattlins, you can run up them like ladders. But I would not
advise you to try, it is very high up there at the mast-head."
"Yes, yes, he will think twice before he ventures," said Adelbert
laughing. "I have never tried it myself even, although I am as much at
home on board ship as in my father's house."
"You have never tried it?" asked Bastel with sparkling eyes, as he
caught hold of a rope near at hand, glad of an opportunity of gaining a
little admiration from him. "You have never ventured?"
"I do not care to risk my neck," answered Adelbert, "and you had better
not do so either."
"Oho! We'll soon see about that," cried Bastel, quite pleased, as he
quickly threw off his smart jacket. "In less than five seconds I shall
be at the top."
"Don't, Bastel, it is dangerous," said Adelbert anxiously, "you will
become giddy and fall."
"Nonsense," laughed Bastel, running nimbly aloft. "I will show you that
I can do something, even if it is not much."
Almost before they could look round, he had reached the crosstrees,
clasped the great mast above with both hands, climbed it like a
squirrel, then on to the top gallant mast, the highest of all, and a
moment after, stood on the highest point, where he hailed Adelbert on
deck.
"Here I am, Adelbert!" cried he. "It is beautiful up here; come to me,
if you dare."
"No, thank you," called Adelbert back to him, "I had rather let it
alone, you had better come down here instead."
"That is easily done," answered Bastel.
And sliding down the mast, he stood the next moment on deck by
Adelbert's side, with flushed cheek and sparkling eyes.
Adelbert grasped his hand. "Well, you are brave," he said heartily
without the slightest envy, "I could not have done it, but I see you
are accustomed to trees, whether they are in the forest or on board
ship. What your father said is very true, 'every man has his place,'
and certainly you are clever and skilful enough in yours."
"Why am I here, then?" asked Bastel thoughtfully.
Adelbert shrugged his shoulders. "Ah, that I cannot tell you; but my
father will know, you must ask him; perhaps it is in order that you
should become acquainted with other manners and customs."
"I shall never do that as long as I live; I feel it here, and here,"
said Bastel, laying his hand on his heart and on his forehead. "I feel
here that the good God has created me for the forest, and nothing can
change it."
"Ask my father, he is sure to give you good advice," returned Adelbert.
"Very well, so I will," said Bastel, "and directly too, as soon as we
return to the house."
They were rowed next to a large American steamer, and then to an
emigrant ship, over both of which they were shown, inspecting the
arrangements, and having explained to them how the steam set in motion
the great paddle-wheels.
Contrary to all expectation, Bastel understood far more quickly and
clearly the locomotive power of the machinery, than did Adelbert,
although his knowledge was so much more extensive. Besides, since
Bastel had won the little victory over Adelbert in climbing the mast,
he bore himself far more firmly and boldly, the self-confidence that
had so long deserted him seemed to have returned, and it appeared to
him as if a dull, heavy weight had been lifted from his head and his
heart. He breathed freely again, his eyes sparkled brightly as in
former days, and his mind became once more clear and penetrating, as
though a dark cloud had passed away from it. He had required something
to rouse him from his despondency, and it came in the shape of the
little triumph he had obtained over Adelbert.
Hardly had they reached home, when he sought Herr Brockmann, and asked
him, in his honest, open manner, why he had taken him from the forest
and brought him to Hamburg.
Herr Brockmann regarded him for a moment with some astonishment, and a
look of pleasant surprise showed itself on his benevolent countenance.
"Why, Bastel," said he, without at first answering his question, "how
bright you look, something must have happened to please you."
"Yes, Herr Brockmann," replied Bastel, "I have come to myself again; my
days were a burden to me, I had become so stupid and dull; everything
new and beautiful that I saw, instead of pleasing me, oppressed me so
much that often I have said to myself, 'Oh, that I were dead and at
rest!'
"I could not speak, for it seemed so ungrateful to complain, when I
received nothing but kindness and affection. I thought I was of no use
at all in the world, and that worried and tormented me so much that I
knew not how to contain myself. But it is past now; I feel that, after
all, I may be fit for something in my own sphere, although it may not
be in the city, and therefore, Herr Brockmann, I wished to ask you why
you had taken me out of the forest? I know quite well you intended it
for my good, but I would really wish to know in what position I am to
be placed, that I may prepare myself for it."
Herr Brockmann looked kindly at him, and answered in an affectionate
tone, "I will tell you in a very few words. You see that your father
was perfectly right, when he gave it as his opinion that a man could
only be happy in his own station; that is to say, according to the
position and circumstances in which it has pleased God to place him.
But, Bastel, listen well to what I say; although one ought to keep to
one's own station in life, there are different ways of doing that.
"For instance, first of all, everyone should perfect himself as much
as possible in that station, whether it be by learning, thought, or
mechanical labour, and secondly, that everyone should take pains, when
opportunities are offered to him, to become acquainted with the ways
of other people, and learn from them whatever is most serviceable to
himself. You, Bastel, had you remained with your father, would, in
time, have become a strong and excellent charcoal-burner, for you are
a child of the forest, and well fitted for it by your strength and
natural turn of mind. But in that case, do you think that you would be
doing your best to enlarge your mind and cultivate your talents? Your
abilities enable you to acquire much that would be of advantage to you
in your own sphere.
"My intention is, not to separate you entirely from your former mode of
life, but to enable you to improve and benefit yourself in many ways. I
would not make a hot-house plant of the forest flower, but I wish that
it should thrive and prosper, and bear the blossoms and fruit that only
learning and a knowledge of the world can produce. Do you understand
me? You shall learn whatever can be learnt to fit you better for your
particular life. Therefore learn all you can; you have powerful mind,
and by industry and perseverance you can turn it to good account in
your own line, if it be only to make you an enterprising, scientific
charcoal-burner. Do you see what I mean?"
"Yes, Herr Brockmann, I understand you perfectly," replied Bastel
thoughtfully. "It is just as I imagined from the beginning; that you
meant most kindly towards me, and now that I see my way plainly, I will
neglect nothing that can serve to advance my welfare and prosperity.
I thank you from my heart, Herr Brockmann. Therefore, the sooner the
better; I am tired of an idle life, and would begin to learn as soon as
possible."
"That is right, Bastel," said Herr Brockmann, much gratified, "I
see I was not deceived in you. From to-morrow you shall have every
opportunity of learning what is best fitted for you, and will be most
useful to you hereafter."
That same hour Herr Brockmann made the necessary arrangements.
And the next day, Bastel left the house and went to live in a small
room in the School of Science.
Madame Brockmann and Adelbert wondered much at this arrangement.
"What is the reason of that, dear husband?" asked the former in
astonishment. "You send Bastel away, although we promised his parents
to care for him and treat him as our own child; he is so good and
modest and well-behaved. Why, then, is he banished? He will not be half
as well off in the school as here with us."
"Not as far as luxuries are concerned, perhaps, but it will be much
better for his mind," answered Herr Brockmann. "I promised his father
to make a great man of him, and a great man he shall be, but in his own
line of life. Our ways are not suited to him, and you must surely have
seen that he has not been at his ease here. He must not acquire wrong
tastes and habits, for he is poor, and must hereafter gain his living
by his own exertions. It is best for him as it is, depend upon it;
and besides, he can be with us every Sunday, and will be as cordially
received by us as hitherto. We shall then see if he does not feel
happier living in the school, in industry and activity, than with us in
idleness and luxury, in which he has not been brought up, and to which
with my consent he never shall be accustomed."
Madame Brockmann shook her head, as though she were not quite satisfied
with her husband's reasoning; however, she raised no further objection,
but let the matter rest. Adelbert missed his playfellow for a few days,
for he loved him dearly; but he felt his loss the less, when he spent
every Sunday with him.
Meanwhile, Bastel seemed to be in his right place, for it was
surprising to see how fast he developed both mentally and bodily. With
an ease that astonished his teachers, he worked with steady industry
and untiring energy, till he was reported to his parents as the best
and most talented of all the scholars, and always carrying off the
first prize at the yearly examination.
In a short time he was no longer afraid to compete with Adelbert; in
knowledge he was his equal, nay, almost his superior, and the new
world that had so confused and oppressed him at first, had now nothing
fresh or strange, and he bore himself as easily and confidently as he
had done of old in his woods and hills. He was no longer the bashful,
awkward Bastel of former days, but a fine-looking youth, sound in
body and mind, with large, clear eyes, and as clear a soul. He had
become another creature, and was unchanged only in his brave and
honest disposition. Modest, grateful, and full of respect towards his
benefactors, he yet preserved the old tender love for his parents and
the home of his childhood deep down in his heart.
And often, very often, there rose up within him a yearning for the
shady valleys, the murmuring brooks, and the rustling forests of the
far-off "Hartz," making his heart heavy and his eyes fill with tears,
and mixing even with his dreams. But he would not give way to this
feeling—he subdued it, and concealed it so completely from his kind
friends that they had no idea that it existed.
Indeed, his cheerfulness on the days he spent with the family, his
whole demeanour, apparently so devoid of care, and the circumstance of
his never speaking of his home, caused Herr Brockmann to think that he
had forgotten it entirely. He could not know that Bastel did not speak
of his mountains and valleys because he would not betray himself, or
appear ungrateful for the kindness of his friends. But he longed in
secret for the day when he should return to his peaceful woods, and his
heart beat loud and fast, when he thought that happy time might not be
far distant.
But, as has been said before, Bastel, from a sense of delicacy, hid his
real feelings so carefully that Herr Brockmann had no idea of their
existence. And besides, he loved him so dearly that the wish often
arose in his heart, and became stronger and stronger, to keep him
always with him, to plan out his future for him, and give him an equal
share with Adelbert of his large business. His affection for Bastel
so influenced him that he was convinced such a lot was best for him,
and that he would himself greatly prefer it to returning to the poor
dwelling of his parents. But he said nothing of his plan, and contented
himself with observing Bastel till the time should come when he would
leave the school, covered with the highest honours.
Bastel himself had looked forward to this day with the most earnest
longing, for it seemed to him as the day of his release from captivity.
"The goal is now reached that Herr Brockmann pointed out to me,"
said he to himself. "Now I can thank him for all the kindness I have
received at his hands, and then—then, I will go back to my mountains,
and once more breathe the pure forest air, and rejoice in the valleys
and cliffs, and never, never leave them again."
With these thoughts he hastened to Herr Brockmann, who received him as
usual with open arms.
"Now you will live with us for the future as one of the family," said
he cordially, "for you must consider this house as your home, and very
soon we will arrange your future plans. You will never think now of
returning to the lonely, distant forest, or handling again the iron
shovel. I have a brilliant future in prospect for you."
Herr Brockmann, full of his plans, and occupied with the kindest
thoughts, did not notice how Bastel's blooming, happy countenance
became ashy pale, and his eyes dim with emotion, the evidence of the
struggle within.
"Yes, yes, Bastel, you shall soon know the good things I have in store
for you," continued he, affectionately, whilst Bastel turned away,
that he might hide his emotion from his benefactor. "You know that you
have been as dear to me as my own son. I cannot bear the thought of a
separation, and will devote myself to your future with fatherly care. I
hope, therefore, you will permit me to choose your career for you say,
my son, shall it be so?"
Bastel could have cried aloud in grief and anguish. "No, no, no! Send
me back to my beloved mountains, to my peaceful home, where alone I can
be happy." But gratitude towards so tender and affectionate a friend
stifled the words, and with trembling lips he answered, "Your slightest
wish, my father, is a command."
And so the words were spoken which bound him to slavery.
"Right, my son," said Herr Brockmann, embracing him, "only trust to me,
and I hope soon to see you as happy and contented as I could wish, and
you deserve. Now leave me, and to-morrow you shall hear what I intend."
"To make me miserable," sighed Bastel, as with breaking heart he left
the room.
Full of grief and sorrow, he went out into the open air. He must reason
with himself, and collect his scattered senses, before he could again
present himself; and so he sought a quiet, lonely spot, where he could
think undisturbed, and fight out the battle with his feelings. What
should he do? His whole heart drew him homewards, but could he grieve
his kind friend and reward him with ingratitude? No, a thousand times,
no! He must submit to his wishes, must accept further benefits at his
hands, and hide from his loving eyes the grief that bore him to the
earth. It was a long time before he could come to this decision, for
his longing for the mountains was so intense that he could scarcely
overcome it, even out of consideration to Herr Brockmann.
The evening was far advanced before he returned to the house, and
joined the family at the tea-table. Madame Brockmann pressed his hand,
Adelbert embraced him warmly, and Herr Brockmann drew him to a chair at
his side.
"It is all arranged," said he; "I have spoken to my wife and child, and
they are as much pleased as I am at the thought of keeping you always
with us. There is no need for further delay. To-morrow you will enter
my counting-house, and receive the same salary as Adelbert; it will
amply suffice you, as you will remain always a member of our house, and
later, when it pleases God to take me, or I retire from business, you
will continue it in partnership with Adelbert. In this manner I hope
to fulfil the promise I made to your parents, for, as partner in the
house of 'Brockmann,' you have, in my opinion, acquired an honourable
position in the world."
"It is too much!" stammered Bastel, whilst a tear rolled down his cheek.
"To have you is a gain to us," said Herr Brockmann, smiling, "so we are
quits."
Ah! If the generous soul had but known that Bastel's tears were not
tears of delight, but of the bitterest grief. He wept, alas! for his
vanished hopes, but kept firm to his resolution that he would conquer
his feelings and preserve towards his adopted father the most devoted
faith. He had done so much for him, he could not be ungrateful. With a
powerful effort, he recovered himself, and no one knew what deep and
bitter grief was hid under his smiling countenance.
According to his kind friend's wish, he entered on his business the
next day, and devoted his whole energies to him from that hour.
Herr Brockmann wondered at his industry and perseverance, but he did
not know that Bastel sought by hard work to distract his thoughts, and
forget his cherished, but now lost hopes. In work alone did Bastel find
relief, and he rested neither day nor night, till complete exhaustion
obliged him to pause. His health failed under the continual struggle,
and even Herr Brockmann begged him to spare himself, but Bastel only
shook his head, smiling sadly, and flung himself with increased energy
into the press of business.
For a few months he kept on, although his cheeks got daily paler and
thinner, and a consuming grief dimmed his once sparkling eyes. But
when spring came, when the trees put on again their green dress, and
the thrush's flute-like notes were heard amongst the branches, then he
could hold out no longer.
"Everything is pleasant and magnificent here," said he in his
pain, "far better than the poor valleys at home; only one thing is
wanting—taste and inclination to enjoy it."
At the return of May, the longing awoke again in Bastel's heart with
irresistible force. The call of the thrush, to which he would listen
with delight in former days, filled his breast with that most grievous
malady, home-sickness. He could bear no more: the fetters with which
he had bound his soul were wrenched asunder by the mightiness of his
feelings, and his health at last gave way. A lingering, nervous fever
attacked him, he hovered for weeks on the brink of the grave; only the
most tender care, and constant attention on the part of his friends,
saved him from death.
Many long nights Herr Brockmann watched by his bed-side, and listened
to the wild ravings as they issued from his lips. Madame Brockmann and
Adelbert listened also, and for the first time became aware what had
overcome Bastel, and laid him on a bed of sickness.
"The good, noble, faithful heart," said Herr Brockmann, with strong
emotion. "He sacrificed himself—and for my sake! Oh God, restore him
to life and health, and then—then it shall be my aim to restore him to
happiness in his own sphere. How blind we all were not to have seen and
known this!"
And Bastel recovered,—recovered at last, after great suffering, and
it was with deep thankfulness that he became aware of the tender,
untiring, affectionate care that had been shown towards him.
"How they must love me, I cannot grieve them," said he.
These thoughts again took possession of him, and it was impressed
on his mind, that though he might return to his mountain home if he
wished, yet he would appear most ungrateful if he did, and he was
silent still, as he had been before.
But those who loved him were no longer deceived: they had seen all, and
loved him none the less that he again sought to conceal his grief and
sorrow in patient silence.
One beautiful day in June, Bastel, strengthened and invigorated, sat
for the first time in the gardens of the villa, surrounded by his
friends, and with deep-drawn breath inhaled the refreshing and fragrant
air. His cheeks were still pale and his eyes dim, but for the most part
his health and strength had returned to him.
"Do you feel able to go back to work, dear Bastel?" said Herr Brockmann.
"O yes, I long to be up and doing again," answered Bastel eagerly; "how
can I show my endless gratitude for your fatherly kindness except by
work and industry?"
"Well, then, Bastel," said Herr Brockmann, "I will put your gratitude
to the proof;—do you know I have quite different plans for you now?"
"In everything that lies in my power you can depend on me," answered
Bastel, "you know well that I belong entirely to you."
"Yes, I know that," said Herr Brockmann with some emotion, "you are a
good son, and have a faithful heart. But nevertheless, Bastel, I am
not sure that your new calling will be agreeable to you, and I would
not press you to enter it, if there were anyone else to whom I could
entrust the business. We must part, Bastel, not for ever, certainly
not, for I hope we shall see each other many times in the course of the
year; nevertheless, it is a parting, and it is doubtful, after all, if
you will readily undertake the charge."
"Oh, do not doubt my willingness," said Bastel entreatingly, "wherever
you wish to place me, I will remain, if I can serve you in any way."
"Well, then, to the point," continued Herr Brockmann smiling; "whilst
you were ill, I bought between 1000 and 1200 acres of forest land in
the 'Hartz,' near your old home,—indeed, I think your father's house is
in the midst of it,—at a very moderate price, as it lies some little
distance from the high road of the inhabited districts. That, however,
is no disadvantage to me, for I intend to level the forest in different
places and turn the fallen trees into charcoal, tar, pitch, potash, and
suchlike produce, the transport of which over the narrow forest paths
will not be difficult. We have had such a demand in our business for
these articles that for years we have hardly been able to supply it.
"On this account, I quickly decided on the purchase of the forest
land, and you can understand why I reckon so much upon you and your
technical knowledge, and thought that a year's residence in the woods
would not be so dispiriting and disagreeable to you, as it would be to
many others who have been accustomed to a city life from their youth.
Speak freely, dear Bastel. If my plan does not suit you, it shall be
abandoned and mentioned no more."
Bastel had been greatly agitated whilst Herr Brockmann was addressing
him in such fatherly tones. His heart swelled almost to bursting, his
cheeks grew white and red by turns, the large tears gathered in his
eyes, and springing up, he clasped the hands of his benefactor.
"Oh, my father, my kind, tender father," he cried with emotion and
trembling with excitement, "I understand you, you have read my
thoughts, and now, instead of blaming me, you heap blessings on my
head."
Smiling, but much moved, Herr Brockmann returned the embrace, and said
softly,—
"Yes, Bastel, I must try to make up for that in which my blindness has
caused me to fail, though I meant all for the best. I forgot that you
could only be happy in your own sphere. That was my mistake: yours was,
that you did not speak openly to me, and confirmed me in my error, till
at last in your delirium your sorrows found words, and I learnt that,
of which, but for your illness, I should still be ignorant. God be
thanked that it was so, and that you were not sacrificed to your too
great delicacy of feeling and mistaken gratitude.
"But enough, my son, I have appreciated your motives, and you have, by
showing such constant fortitude and such a grateful heart, endeared
yourself still more to us all. And now tell me quickly, does my plan
please you? And will you agree to it?"
"Oh, most heartily, and with the deepest gratitude, if I may hope that
I shall not be separated from you all for ever," cried Bastel.
"We will spend a few weeks at least together every year," answered Herr
Brockmann; "you shall come to us and we will go to you, and I trust
they will be very happy days we shall pass with each other. For the
rest, my son, be satisfied, the business you have undertaken is really
of the greatest importance, and you must not think that I bought the
forest land only for your sake. I reckon on making considerable profit,
as might be expected from so large an undertaking, so you do not owe
me any such extreme gratitude. It is fortunate that the employment
suits you, and my most earnest wish is, that you may at last find true
happiness in your own station."
* * * * *
Two years were passed by Bastel in untiring but profitable activity, in
the neighbourhood of his old home. How different the woods and valleys
looked now, that in his childhood had been so quiet, so lonely, and
so remote! Large and handsome manufactories were erected in the most
convenient spots; countless kilns burned and smoked in various parts of
the woods; tar, pitch, and potash-boiling was going on here and there,
and hundreds of poor people were employed in turning the forest to the
greatest possible advantage.
Bastel and his father managed everything. Ways were made through the
forest, to open communication between the works and the high road, and
on those roads, long trains of waggons journeyed backwards and forwards
filled with charcoal, and laden also with huge packages and boxes,
carrying northward to the storehouses of Herr Brockmann the produce
of the woodland manufactories, whence they were again despatched into
distant lands. Adelbert managed the business in Hamburg as Bastel did
in the forest, and by this arrangement each one found, in the position
for which nature had fitted him, true happiness and contentment.
The tracks of cleared forest became arable, and were prepared for
cultivation; in many places the plough had already turned up the rich
earth, which soon would bear an abundant crop of golden grain. So a
future was marked out, that would present to Bastel's energetic and
powerful mind a far better and more useful source of employment than he
would ever have found in the old home of his childhood. Was he happy
now?
"Yes, father," he said, with beaming face, when one day Herr Brockmann
asked him this question, as he and his wife and Adelbert were spending
a few weeks with him, "I am thoroughly happy, because I am so exactly
in my proper place. I feel now that I am not quite a useless member of
society, and I thank you, my benefactor, daily and hourly, for placing
me in a position to do justice to myself. And Adelbert, is he also
happy and contented?"
"Ask him," answered Herr Brockmann, laughing, "ask him if he will
change places with you, and take the axe again? Here he comes."
Adelbert came up to them with such a beaming, happy face, that Bastel
thought there was no need to ask the question. But Herr Brockmann did.
"No, no," said Adelbert, laughing heartily, "let it be as it is. We
have each of us found our proper place, and let us keep to it. You go
on charcoal-burning, Bastel, and I will continue to take care that the
produce of your industry is disposed of to the best advantage."
"Yes," said Herr Brockmann, "it is best as it is. Let each one remain
in his own place, upright, industrious, and contented, and then
happiness will never fail him. Adelbert could never be truly happy here
in the forest, nor Bastel in the city, therefore 'every man in his
place' is the best arrangement, when that position is honourable, and
pleasing to God: He has done all things well, and let us thank Him as
long as we have breath, with humble and grateful hearts."
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