“Well, well! you are not so far wrong; and even our cousin Thure of Oestanvik,—­have you perceived anything there?”

“Yes, I did perceive something yesterday evening; what the deuce was his meaning with those stupid questions he put to her?  ’Does cousin like this?’ or ‘Is cousin fond of that?’ I don’t like that at all myself.  Louise is not yet full-grown, and already people come and ask her, ’Does cousin like—?’ Well, it may signify very little after all, which would perhaps please me best.  What a pity, however, that our cousin is not a little more manly; for he has certainly got a most beautiful estate, and so near us.”

“Yes, a pity; because, as he is at present, I am almost sure Louise would find it impossible to give him her hand.”

“You do not believe that her inclination is toward Jacobi?”

“To tell the truth, I fancy that this is the case.”

“Nay, that would be very unpleasant and very unwise:  I am very fond of Jacobi, but he has nothing and is nothing.”

“But, my dear, he may get something and become something; I confess, dear Ernst, that I believe he would suit Louise better for a husband than any one else we know, and I would with pleasure call him my son.”

“Would you, Elise? then I must also prepare myself to do the same.  You have had most trouble and most labor with the children, it is therefore right that you should decide in their affairs.”

“Ernst, you are so kind!”

“Say just, Elise; not more than just.  Besides, it is my opinion that our thoughts and inclinations will not differ much.  I confess that Louise appears to me to be a great treasure, and I know of nobody I could give her to with all my heart; but if Jacobi obtains her affections, I feel that I could not oppose their union, although it would be painful to me on account of his uncertain prospects.  He is really dear to me, and we are under great obligations to him on account of Henrik; his excellent heart, his honesty, and his good qualities, will make him as good a citizen as a husband and father, and I consider him to be one of the most agreeable men to associate with daily.  But, God bless me!  I speak as if I wished the union, but that is far from my desire:  I would much rather keep my daughters at home, so long as they find themselves happy with me; but when girls grow up, there is never any peace to depend on.  I wish all lovers and questioners a long way off.  Here we could live altogether as in a kingdom of heaven, now that we have got everything in such order.  Some small improvements may still be wanted, but this will be all right if we are only left in peace.  I have been thinking that we could so easily make a wardrobe here:  do you see on this side of the wall—­don’t you think if we were to open—­What! are you asleep already, my dear?”

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