His high spirits, his boisterous nonsense, his contempt for all lawful forms and ceremonies which placed impediments in the way of his speedy marriage, were amusingly contrasted by Mr.Engelman's courteous simplicity in trying to argue the question seriously with his reckless young friend.
"Don't talk to me about the customary delays and the parson's duty!" cried Fritz.

"Tell me this: does he do his duty without being paid for it ?" "We must all live," pleaded good Mr.Engelman; "the parson must pay the butcher and the baker, like the rest of us." "That's shirking the question, my dear sir! Will the parson marry Minna and me, without being paid for it ?" "In all civilized countries, Fritz, there are fees for the performance of the marriage ceremony." "Very well.

Now follow my train of reasoning, Mr.Engelman! On your own showing, the whole affair is a matter of money.

The parson gets his fee for making Minna my wife, after the customary delays." There Minna modestly interposed.

"Why do you object to the customary delays, dear Fritz ?" "I'll tell you, my angel, when we are married.