2. II.
Bertha thought otherwise. She loved Rodolph
very much; quite as much, indeed, as he loved
her. They seemed formed entirely for each other;
and never were two young, thoughtless hearts, so
mutually devoted. Day after day did their eyes
meet, and their thoughts mingle; and day after
day increased their mutual dependence with their
passion. It is true, Rodolph was poor, but Bertha
never thought of that. His garments were none
of the best, but they were worn by Rodolph. His
castle was old, unfurnished, untenanted, and he
had no cattle. But then, she never felt any wants
when with Rodolph, and she never thought of any
want but himself, when he was absent. It was
well for her, perhaps, that she had a papa who was
more thoughtful. The baron's consideration amply
atoned for the daughter's thoughtlessness. If
she thought only of Rodolph — he thought nothing
of Rodolph. If she thought nothing of the
possessions of her lover — the old baron considered
nothing else. Between the two, therefore,
the subject, on all sides, was amply investigated.
