y one, in the spirit which the Assessor had
praised, should secretly labour at the temple-building, every one with
his own work-tool, and according to his own strength.

The Judge walked up and down in the room, and took only occasional part
in the entertainment, although he listened to all, and smiled
applaudingly. It seemed as if the Assessor's words had excited a
melancholy feeling in him, and he spoke warmly in praise of his friend.

"There does not exist a purer human soul than his," said he, "and he
has thereby operated very beneficially on me. Many men desire as much
good, and do it also; but few have to the same extent as he the pure
mind, the perfectly noble motive."

"Ah! if one could only make him happier, only make him more satisfied
with life!" said Eva.

"Will you undertake the commission?" whispered Petrea, waggishly.

Rather too audible a kiss suddenly turned all eyes on the Candidate and
Louise; the latter of whom was punishing her lover for his daring by a
highly ungracious and indignant glance, which Henrik declared quite
pulverised him. As they, however, all separated for the night, the
Candidate besought and was permitted, in mercy, a little kiss, as a
token of reconciliation and forgiveness of his offence regarding the
great one.

"My dear girl," said the mother to Louise as the two met, impelled by a
mutual desire to converse together that same night in her boudoir, "how
came Jacobi's wooing about so suddenly? I could not have believed that
it would have been so quickly decided. I am perfectly astonished even
yet that you should be betrothed."

"So am I," replied Louise; "I can hardly conceive how it has happened.
We met one another this morning in the garden; Jacobi was gloomy, and
out of spirits, and had made up his mind to leave us because he fancied
I was about to be betrothed to Cousin Thure. I then besought him to
forgive my late unkindness, and gave him some little idea of my
friendliness towards him; whereupon he spoke to me of his own feelings
and wishes so beautifully, so warmly, and then--then I hardly know how
it was myself, he called me _his_ Louise, and I--told him to go and
speak with my parents."

"And in the mean time," said the mother, "your parents sent another
wooer to their daughter, in order for him to receive from her a yes or
no. Poor Cousin Thure! He seemed to have such certain hope. But I trust
he may soon console himself! But do you know, Louise, of late I have