"And thereupon she broke into a short laugh, and asked how things were at home, and whether uncle and aunt were well. "'First I should like to know how my uncle and my aunt are,' he said, and looked into the four corners of the room. "I was so glad to see the strained mood giving way, that I burst into a loud laugh at his comical search. "Both looked at me in astonishment as if they only just remembered my presence. "'And what do you say to our child?' asked Martha, taking my hand in motherly fashion, 'does she please you?' "'Better now already,' he said, scrutinising me, 'before, she was too stiff for me.' "'I could hardly put my arms round your neck at once?' I replied. "'Why not?' he asked, smiling complacently, 'do you think there is no room for you there?' "'No,' said I, to let him know at once how to take me, 'that room is not the place for me.' "He looked at me quite taken aback, and then remarked, nodding his head-- "'By Jingo, the little woman is pretty sharp.' "I was going to reply something, but at that moment papa entered the room. "At table I constantly kept my eye on the two, without however being able to notice anything suspicious. "Their eyes hardly met. "'Afterwards when the old people are taking their nap,' I thought to myself, 'they are sure to try and make their escape.' But I was mistaken. They quietly remained in the sitting-room, and did not even seem anxious to get me out of the way. He sat in the sofa-corner smoking, she, five paces away at the window, with some needlework. "'Perhaps they are too shy,' I thought, 'and are waiting till an opportunity presents itself.' I marked a few signs and slipped out. Then for half an hour I crouched in my room with a beating heart and counted the minutes till I might go back again. "'Now he will go up to her,' I said to myself, 'will take her hands and look long into her eyes. "Do you still love me?" he will ask; and she, blushing rosy red, will sink with tear-dimmed gaze upon his breast.' "I closed my eyes and sighed. My temples were throbbing; I felt more and more how my fancies intoxicated me, and then I went on picturing to myself how he would drop on his knees before her and, with ardent looks, stammer forth glowing declarations of love and faithfulness. "I knew by heart everything that he was saying to her at this moment, no less than what she was answering. I could have acted as prompter to them both. When the half-hour was over, I held counsel with myself whether I should grant them a few moments longer. I was at present their fate and as such I smilingly showered my favours upon them. "'Let them drain their cup of bliss to the last drop!' said I, and resolved to take a walk through the garden yet. But curiosity overpowered me so that I turned back half-way. "Softly I crept up to the door, but hardly did I find courage to turn the handle. The thought of what I was about to see almost took my breath away. "And what did I see now, after all?