You have disturbed the peace of a house, into which you were received with friendship and confidence.

But I know," continued she, mildly, "that you have not intended anything criminal!--no bad intentions have guided your behaviour; folly only has led you to treat so lightly that relationship which is the holiest on earth.

You have not reflected on your life, on your duty, and your situation, in this family, with seriousness." Jacobi covered his face with his hands, and a strong emotion agitated him.
"And seriousness," again began Elise, with warmth and deep earnestness--"seriousness! how it clothes--how it dignifies the man!--Jacobi, the saviour of my child--my young friend! I would not have spoken thus to you if I had not had great faith on your better--your nobler self;--if I had not hoped to have won a friend in you--a friend for my whole life, for myself and my Ernst.

Oh, Jacobi, listen to my prayer!--you are thrown among people who are willing from their very hearts to be your friends! Act so that we may love and highly esteem you; and do not change into grief that hearty goodwill which we both feel for you! Combat against, nay, banish from your heart, every foolish sentiment which you, for a moment, have cherished for me.

Consider me as a sister, as a mother! Yes," continued she, pausing over this word, and half prophetically, "perhaps you may even yet call me mother; and if you will show me love and faith, Jacobi, as you have said, I will accept it--from my son! Oh, Jacobi! if you would deserve my blessing, and my eternal gratitude, be a faithful friend, a good instructor of my boy--my Henrik! Your talents as a teacher are of no common kind.