"We, Fräulein Hartwich, are free to choose, and are therefore responsible to each other, and it is incumbent upon us to be on the watch. A kindly Providence, you too must admit this, has brought us together, and left the decision as to what we will be to each other in our own hands. Let us show ourselves worthy of the trust; let us try ourselves. I am sure you feel with me that the moment must be a glorious one in which two human beings recognize each other as their embodied destiny. But it must be celebrated not by gushes of sentimentality nor by would-be transcendentalism, but in perfect peace of mind!" He took her hand and gazed into her eyes. She stood quietly before him, and gathered calmness from his look. And again that significant silence ensued so dear to those whose hearts are full of what they cannot or dare not speak. Suddenly Frau Willmers softly opened the door. "There is a lady without, who wishes to speak with you, Fräulein Hartwich." "With me!" asked Ernestine in displeased surprise. "Who is she?" "She refuses to give her name, and will not be denied. She says if Fräulein von Hartwich is not at leisure now, she will wait any length of time." "Did you tell her I was engaged with a visitor?" "No, there is no knowing whether the lady"--here she cast an embarrassed glance at Johannes--"might not tell your uncle!" Ernestine looked down confused. "That is true--if it should chance--What is to be done? How very annoying!" "I thought perhaps the gentleman would allow me to take him through the laboratory and down the other staircase?" said Frau Willmers in a tone of anxious entreaty. "Shall I?" asked Johannes, not without evident vexation. Ernestine looked at Frau Willmers. "Pray do," she begged, "out of pity for poor Frau Willmers, who will have to bear the whole burden of my uncle's displeasure if he should learn that she had connived at our meeting." "I must comply with your wishes, but only for this once," he said, quietly offering her his hand. "When may I come again?" "Next Saturday, will you not?" Johannes knew perfectly well why she appointed that day, but he said nothing, and followed Frau Willmers. At the door he turned and looked at Ernestine. She saw something like displeasure in his face, and hastened after him. "Pray do not be angry with me, kind sir." Johannes was touched by the gentle entreaty from one usually so stern and cold. He pressed his lips upon her hand and whispered softly, "I shall never, never be angry with you. God bless you!" The door closed behind him, and Ernestine, still agitated by the interview, half awake and half dreaming, went into the antechamber to receive the stranger waiting there. The Worronska, in all her grandeur, stood before her. Ernestine had never in her life seen so extraordinary a vision. She was actually dazzled.