tempt for people in office by taking a nap, or whether their absence
had been accidental, they had both returned to the company, and Richard
was standing with his back to the fireplace, and the Consul was under
the old clock, in conversation with Jacob Worse.

It was generally supposed that it was to these Sunday afternoon
conversations with Worse that the Consul owed his perfect knowledge of
every event that took place in the town.

Madeleine was sitting by the window, looking out at the rain. She was
quite astonished to find how agreeable Pastor Martens could be. Her
knowledge of clergymen had hitherto been confined to her father's
descriptions of them, which were amusing enough, but far from
flattering.

But Mr. Martens was quite lively, if not merry. He had not attempted to
say anything serious, and she had nothing against him except that he hit
very hard at croquet; but he played really well, and seemed to enjoy it.
It was a pity that the rain had come before they had finished their
game.

It was one of those evenings when it is not dark enough to light the
candles, but is still too dark for any one to see to work; and a wet
evening, even in summer, can become very tiresome before lights, cards,
and such like make their appearance.

Mrs. Garman and Mrs. Aalbom sat gossiping on the sofa; and Fanny, who in
the course of the day had received more than one reproving look from her
mother-in-law for flirting with Delphin, was now doing penance with the
old ladies, to whom Pastor Martens had also attached himself.

Quite a group had gathered round the fireplace by the _attache_,
consisting of the magistrate, Mr. Aalbom, and Delphin. Morten had
disappeared, no one knew whither.

Delphin was anxious to slip away, so as to get an opportunity of having
a chat with Madeleine; but Richard would not let him go--he was just the
man after the _attache's_ heart. He reminded him of his own youth, with
his polite assurance and ready wit. The old diplomatist had a weakness
for getting up little disputes among his acquaintances, while he
himself, by alternately assisting the two sides, took care to preserve
the balance between them, and maintain a good tone in the discussion.
From this point of view George Delphin was quite a treasure. He had just
that irritating manner which sometimes became very nearly offensive, but
was at the same time so polished, that it would indicate a want of good
breeding to be annoyed at it. It was t