who was just about to run off
again in order to redeem her error. This, added to other agitation of
mind, brought tears to her eyes, and blood to her head. Her nose began
violently to bleed. Louise, excited against Sara by her severity to
Petrea, and some little also by her calling her elixir poison, threw
upon her a look of great displeasure, and devoted herself to the weeping
and bleeding Petrea.

Whether it was the spirit of anger that dispersed Sara's headache, or
actually Louise's elixir (Louise was firmly persuaded that it was the
latter), we know not; but certain it was that Sara very soon recovered
and returned to the company, without saying one consoling word to
Petrea.

Petrea was in no condition to appear at the supper-table, and Louise
kindly remained with her. Aunt Evelina, Laura, Karin, and even the lady
of the War-Councillor herself, brought them delicacies. Amid so much
kindness, Petrea could not do otherwise than become again tranquil and
lively. She should, she thought, after all, dance the _anglaise_ after
supper with "le plus vaillant," as she called the Lieutenant, who had
truly captivated her evidently not steeled heart.

The _anglaise_ had already begun as the sisters entered the ball-room.
The Candidate hastened to meet them quite in an uneasy state of mind; he
had engaged Louise for this dance, and they now stood up together in the
crowd of dancers. Petrea expected, likewise, that "le plus vaillant"
would rush up to her and seize her hand; but as she cast a hasty glance
around, she perceived him, not rushing towards her, but dancing with
Sara, who was looking more beautiful and brilliant than ever. The rose
which Petrea had given him--faithless knight!--together with the
myrtle-sprig on which she had speculated, were both of them placed in
Sara's bosom. The eyes of "le plus vaillaut" were incessantly riveted
upon "la plus belle," as Sara was then unanimously declared to be. The
glory of the Aftonstjernas paled in the night, as they were too much
heated by dancing, but Sara's star burned brighter and brighter. She was
introduced to the Countess Solenstrale, who paid her charming
compliments, and called her "la reine du bal," at which the
Aftonstjernas looked displeased.

"Thousand devils, how handsome she is!" exclaimed the old gentleman who
had striven with Petrea about the tea-cup, and who now, without being
aware of it, trod upon her foot as he thrust himself before her to get a
better v