mountaineer seemed vastly pleased. "And how much is
this fortune?"
"Two thousand crowns." Gretchen was not sure, but to her there always
seemed to be a secret laughter behind those clear eyes.
"Handsome! And what will you do now?"
"She is to study for the opera."
"Did I not prophesy it?" he cried jubilantly.
"Did I not say that some impresario would discover you and make your
fortune?"
"There is plenty of work ahead," said Gretchen sagely.
"Always, no matter what we strive for. But a brave heart and a cheerful
smile carry you half-way up the hill. Where were you going when this
popinjay stopped you?"
"I was going to the clock-mender's for a clock he is repairing."
"I've nothing to do. I'll go with you. I've an idea that I should like
to talk with you about a very important matter. Perhaps it would be
easier to talk first and then go for the clock. If you have it you'll be
watching it. Will you come into the garden with me now?"
"Yes, Herr." Gretchen would have gone anywhere with this strange man. He
inspired confidence.
The garden was a snug little place; a few peach-trees and arbor-vines
and vegetables, and tables and chairs on the brick walk.
"So you are going to become a prima donna?" he began, seating himself
opposite her.
"I am going to try," she smiled. "What is it you wish to say to me?"
"I am wondering how to begin," looking at the blue sky.
"Is it difficult?"
"Yes, very."
"Then why bother?"
"Some things are written before we are born. And I must, in the order of
things, read this writing to you."
"Begin," said Gretchen.
"Have you any dreams?"
"Yes," vaguely.
"I mean the kind one has in the daytime, the dreams when the eyes are
wide open."
"Oh, yes!"
"Who has not dreamed of riding in carriages, of dressing in silks, of
wearing rich ornaments?"
"Ah!" Gretchen clasped her hands and leaned on her elbows. "And there
are palaces, too."
"To be sure." There was a long pause. "How would you like a dream of
this kind to c
Notka biograficzna
Sir Thomas Henry Hall Caine CH, KBE (May 14, 1853August 31, 1931), usually known as Hall Caine, was a British author. He is best known as a novelist and playwright of the late Victorian and the Edwardian eras. In his time he was exceedingly popular and at the peak of his success his novels outsold those of his contemporaries. Many of his novels were also made into films. His novels were primarily romantic in nature, involving the love triangle, but they did also address some of the more serious political and social issues of the day.
Harold MacGrath (September 4, 1871 - October 30, 1932) was a bestselling American novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter. Also known occasionally as Harold McGrath, he was born in Syracuse, New York. As a young man, he worked as a reporter and columnist on the Syracuse Herald newspaper until the late 1890s when he published his first novel, a romance titled Arms and the Woman. According to the New York Times, his next book, The Puppet Crown, was the No.7 bestselling book in the United States for all of 1901. From that point on, MacGrath never looked back, writing novels for the mass market about love, adventure, mystery, spies, and the like at an average rate of more than one a year. He would have three more of his books that were among the top ten bestselling books of the year. At the same time, he penned a number of short stories for major American magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, Ladies Home Journal, and Red Book magazine. Several of MacGraths novels were seriali
Mabel Collins (9 September 1851 - 31 March 1927) was a theosophist and author of over 46 books. She was born in St Peter Port, Guernsey.