“They called us the rival beauties at school, you know, which was quite enough to make us hate each other all our lives; but now that I am married, all rivalry has ceased. I have got a position in society, especially since the Doctor has been called in to attend the royal family, and——” “You don’t say so,” exclaimed Crescenz, interrupting her. “Yes, my dear, he is not exactly appointed, but when the other physicians were out of town, he was sent for to attend one of the ladies of the court, who had been obliged to remain behind from illness, and she promised to use all her influence for him; indeed, his practice is so extensive that he does not require anything of the kind—but then for appearance’ sake—and it sounds well, you know—it sounds well!” and she played with her pocket-handkerchief, which was trimmed with very broad cotton lace. “But I forgot, you were going to tell me that you had fallen in love with somebody at Seon; if it were not this Count Zedwitz, who was it?” “Nobody,” said Crescenz, wiping her eyes with her little cotton handkerchief, ornamented with a few coarse indigo-dyed threads for a border; “Nobody!” “I assure you, Cressy, as a married woman, I can give you much better advice now than in former days, when I was silly as yourself. You had better confide in me.” “I have nothing to confide,” replied Crescenz, diligently biting the before mentioned blue thread border of her handkerchief. “Well, if you don’t choose to be confiding, perhaps you will be communicative, and tell me who is that very tall, very young, and singularly handsome man talking to your father near the window?” “That’s he,” said Crescenz, blushing. “Who?” “The Englishman.” “What Englishman?” “The Englishman that we met at Seon.” “So!” whistled, rather than exclaimed, the Doctor’s wife. “So!—hem!—a—some excuse for a little sentiment, I must allow, Cressy. How does he happen to be here this evening?” “He is living with us; he boards with mamma this winter.” “So! Can he speak German?” “Oh, yes, very well.” “Introduce him; I should like to know him.” “I _cannot_.” “You cannot! Why I could have introduced Theodor to all the world, and have ordered him about everywhere. Beckon, or call him over, like a dear.” “Not for worlds!” “I do believe you are afraid of him!” “Afraid of him! What an idea!” said Crescenz, laughing faintly. “Yes, afraid of him,” persisted her friend; “and yet he is not at all a person to inspire terror.” “Oh, no, not at all,” said Crescenz; “I don’t think I am at all afraid of him. Why should I?” “Why, indeed! See, Crescenz, he is looking this way now; just turn towards him and make some sign, or else I must apply to Hildegarde.” “Oh, go to Hildegarde, if you like,” said Crescenz, half laughing; “but most probably they have just been quarrelling, and, in that case, she will send you to papa or mamma.”