Matilda was silent. Her father commenced a conversation, in which Henry spoke with the most lively spirit. Those who were near wondered at the fluency of the young man's speech, and the richness of his imagery. Matilda gazed upon him with silent attention. She seemed to delight in his words, which were still more clearly explained by his speaking features. His eyes appeared unusually brilliant. He turned at times towards Matilda, who was astonished by the expression of his face. In the warmth of conversation, he involuntarily seized her hand, and she could not but sanction much of what he said, with a gentle pressure. Klingsohr knew how to keep up his enthusiasm, and gradually drew his whole soul from his lips. At last all rose. There was a general confusion. Henry remained by the side of Matilda. They stood apart unobserved. He clasped her hand and kissed it tenderly. She suffered him to hold it without opposition, and looked upon him with unspeakable kindness. He could not restrain himself, bent towards her, and kissed her lips. She was taken unawares and involuntarily returned his ardent kiss. "Sweet Matilda,"--"Dear Henry,"--this was all they could say to each other. She pressed his hand, and then mingled with her companions. Henry stood as if in Heaven. His mother came to him. He told her all concerning his love. "Is it not a good thing that we have visited Augsburg?" said she. "Does it not in truth please you?" "Dear mother," said Henry, "I had not represented it to myself thus. It is most glorious." The remainder of the evening passed away in infinite pleasure. The old people played, talked, and observed the dancing. The music undulated through the hall like a pleasure-sea, and bore along the enraptured youth upon its surface. Henry felt the rapturous presages of the first buoyancy of love. Matilda also willingly suffered herself to be carried away by the flattering waves, and only concealed from him her tender trust, her budding inclination, behind a light flower veil. The old Swaning noticed the growing intimacy between them, and teazed them both about it. Klingsohr had taken a liking to Henry, and was pleased with his tenderness towards his daughter.--The other young men and girls soon noticed it. They brought the sober Matilda forward with the young Thuringian, and did not conceal that they were glad no longer to be obliged to shun Matilda's observation of the secrets of their hearts.