her a true esteem, and gave
occasion for many little contentions and discussions, in which Louise
intrepidly, though not without some little warmth, maintained the rights
of the cause. These contentions, however, which began in merriment, did
not always terminate so.

A young and rather coquettish lady was one day wounded by the severity
with which Louise spoke of the coquetry of her sex, and particularly of
married ladies, and in revenge she used an expression which excited
Louise's astonishment and anger. An explanation followed between the
two, the result of which was not only their perfect estrangement, but an
altered state of mind in Louise which she in vain endeavoured to
conceal.

During the first days of her stay at Axelholm she had been uncommonly
joyous and lively; now she was quiet, thoughtful, often absent, and
towards the Candidate, as it seemed, less friendly than formerly, whilst
she lent a more willing ear to the Landed-proprietor, although she still
resolutely withstood his proposal of a drive to Oestanvik.

On the evening of the day after this explanation, Elise was engaged in a
lively conversation with Jacobi on the balcony.

"And if," said he, "I endeavour to win her heart, would her
parents--would her mother see it without displeasure? Ah, speak candidly
with me; the well-being of my life depends upon it."

"You have my accordance, my good wishes, Jacobi," returned Elise. "I say
to you what I have already said to my husband, that I should willingly
call you son."

"Oh!" exclaimed Jacobi, deeply moved, and falling on one knee, whilst he
pressed her hand to his lips--"oh that my whole life might evidence to
you my gratitude and my love--!"

At this very moment, Louise, who had been seeking her mother, approached
the balcony; she saw Jacobi's action, and heard his words: she withdrew
quickly, as if she had been stung by a snake.

From this time a great change was more and more perceptible in her.
Still, reserved, and very pale, she moved about like one in a dream,
amid the lively circles of Axelholm, and agreed willingly to the
proposition which her mother, who was uneasy on her account, made of
their stay being shortened. Jacobi, as much astonished as distressed by
the sudden unfriendliness of Louise towards him, began to think that the
place must in some kind of way be bewitched, and desired more than
anybody else to get away from it.

FOOTNOTES:

[10] A mile Swedish is equal to six Engl