Elise, the moment she entered, quickly rose and welcomed her, introducing Jacobi at the same time.
At the first glance Jacobi uttered an exclamation of joyful surprise, approached her with an appearance of the greatest cordiality, seized her hand, which he kissed reverentially, and felicitated himself on the happiness of seeing her again.
The little eyes of the Chamberlain's lady twinkled, and she exclaimed, "Oh, heavens! my heart's dearest! Nay, that is very pleasant! He, he, he, he!" "How!" exclaimed Elise, in astonishment, "Mr.Jacobi, do you know----Aunt W., do you know Mr.Jacobi ?" The Candidate appeared about to give an explanation of the acquaintance, but this Mrs.Gunilla, with a faint crimson overspreading the pale yellow cheek, and a twitch of the eyebrow, prevented, and with a quick voice she said, "We once lived in the same house." She then desired that the conversation which her entrance had interrupted, and which appeared to have been very important, might proceed.

"At least," added she, with a penetrating glance on Elise and the Candidate, "if I should not disturb you." "Certainly not!" The Candidate needed only the sixteenth of a hint to rush armed with full fervour into the mysteries of his system.

Mrs.Gunilla took up a packet of old gold thread, which she set herself to unravel, whilst the Candidate coughed and prepared himself..