Ilse shortened the unavoidable introductory compliments and excuses by beginning: "I have told Miss Laura of your desire to obtain the parchment, and she is ready to send over directly for Magister Knips." "That is far more than I had ventured to hope," said Mrs. Struvelius. "I had intended with your kind assistance to look him up myself." "He shall come here," said Laura, decidedly, "and he shall answer for himself. I have always found him unendurable, although I have frequently bought pretty pictures of him. His humility is such as does not become a man, and I consider him a sneak at heart." The cook Susan was called, and despatched by Laura as a herald to the fortress of Knips. "You are, under no consideration, to tell him that any one is with me; and when he comes, bring him up directly." Susan returned with a sly look, and brought the Magister's compliments: "he desired her to say he would have the honor of waiting upon her immediately. He seemed astonished, but pleased." "He shall be astonished," exclaimed Laura. The allied ladies sat down around the sofa-table, feeling the importance of the task which was before them. "When I am talking with him," began Mrs. Struvelius, solemnly, "have the kindness to attend accurately to his answers, that you may in case of necessity repeat them, and thus be my supporters and witnesses." "I can write quickly," exclaimed Laura, "I will write down what he answers, then he cannot deny it." "That would be too much like a trial," interposed Ilse, "and will only make him suspicious." The furious bark of a dog was heard outside. "He is coming," said Mrs. Struvelius, drawing herself up with dignity. A loud step was heard on the stairs, Susan opened the door, and Magister Knips entered. He did not look dangerous. He was a short, crooked man; it was doubtful whether he was young or old. He had a pale face, prominent cheek bones, on which were two red spots, screwed up eyes such as short-sighted people generally have, and red from much night-work by dull lamps. He stood there, in a threadbare coat, with his head bent on one side, a humble servant, perhaps a victim of learning. When he saw the three ladies sitting, all stern and solemn, where his heart had only hoped to find one, and among them the wives of important men, he stopped confounded at the door; he composed himself, however, and made three low bows, probably one to each lady, but refrained from speaking. "Sit down, Magister," began Laura, condescendingly, pointing to an empty chair opposite the sofa. The Magister approached hesitatingly, pushed the chair further out of reach of the three goddesses of fate, and with another bow seated himself on the corner of the chair. "It must be known to you, Magister," began Mrs. Struvelius, "that the last publication of my husband has occasioned discussions which have been painful to all engaged in them, and I assume also to you."