Linda had yielded to a sense of
his own merits. "I am glad she has thought better of it, Madame
Staubach," he said; "she is only just in time."

Madame Staubach was very nearly angry, but she reminded herself that
people cannot be crushed by rose-leaves. Peter Steinmarc was to be
taken, because he was Peter Steinmarc, not because he was somebody
very different, better mannered, and more agreeable.

"I don't know how that may be, Peter."

"Ah, but it is so;--only just in time, I can assure you. But 'a miss
is as good as a mile;' so we will let that pass."

"She is now ready to come down and accept your troth, and give you
hers. You will remember that she is ill and weak; and, indeed, I am
unwell myself. She can stay but a moment, and then, I am sure, you
will leave us for to-night. The day has not been without its trouble
and its toil to both of us."

"Surely," said Peter; "a word or two shall satisfy me to-night. But,
Madame Staubach, I shall look to you to see that the period before
our wedding is not protracted,--you will remember that." To this
Madame Staubach made no answer, but slowly mounted to Linda's
chamber.

Linda was already nearly dressed. She was not minded to keep her
suitor waiting. Tetchen was with her, aiding her; but to Tetchen she
had refused to say a single word respecting either Peter or Ludovic.
Something Tetchen had heard from Madame Staubach, but from Linda
she heard nothing. Linda intended to go down to the parlour, and
therefore she must dress herself. As she was weak almost to fainting,
she had allowed Tetchen to help her. Her aunt led her down, and there
was nothing said between them as they went. At the door her aunt
kissed her, and muttered some word of love. Then they entered the
room together.

Peter was found standing in the middle of the chamber, with his
left hand beneath his waistcoat, and his right hand free for the
performance of some graceful salutation. "Linda," said he, as soon as
he saw the two ladies standing a few feet away from him, "I am glad
to see you down-stairs again,--very glad. I hope you find yourself
better." Linda muttered, or tried to mutter, some words of thanks;
but nothing was audible. She stood hanging upon her aunt, with eyes
turned down, and her limbs trembling beneath her. "Linda," continued
Peter, "your aunt tells me that you have accepted my offer. I am very
glad of it. I will be a good husband to you, and I hope you will be
an obedient wife."