She loved Gretchen.
"I read that you are gentle and brave and cheerful, that you have a loyal heart and a pure mind.

I read that you are in love and that some day you will be happy." A smile went over her face, a kind of winter sunset.
"You are not looking at my hand at all, grandmother," said Gretchen in reproach.
"I do not need, my child.

Your life is written in your face." The grandmother spoke again to the vintner.

"So you will take her away from me ?" "Will it be necessary ?" he returned quietly.

"Have you any objection to my becoming your foster grandchild, such as Gretchen is ?" The old woman made no answer.