But tell me that you forgive me--that you can be my friend, and that you will!" Jacobi, in the height of his excitement, had thrown himself on his knee before her; Elise also was deeply affected; tears streamed from her eyes, whilst she extended her hand to him, and bending over him said, from the very depths of her heart, "Your friend, for ever!" Calmly, and with cheerful countenances, both raised themselves; but an involuntary shudder passed through both as they saw the Judge standing in the room, with a pale and stern countenance.
Jacobi went towards him: "Judge Frank," said he, with a firm but humble voice, "you behold here a----" "Silence, Jacobi!" interrupted Elise, quickly; "you need not blush on account of your bended knee, nor is any explanation needful.

It is not, is it, Ernst ?" continued she, with the undaunted freshness of innocence: "you desire no explanation; you believe me when I say that Jacobi now, more than ever, deserves your friendship.

A bond is formed between us three, which, as I hope before God, nothing will disturb, and no poisonous tongues censure.

You believe me, Ernst ?" "Yes," said he, giving her his hand; "if I could not, then----" he did not finish his sentence, but fixed his eyes with a stern expression immovably on her.

"I will speak with you," said he, after a moment, and in a calmer voice.