inimitable ease and confidence, gave to
his demeanour and conversation that irresistible power which these
qualities exercise so greatly in society.

On his visit to the Franks, the Judge and he exchanged some glances, in
which both read that neither could endure the other. The Major, however,
let nothing of all this be seen; was perfectly candid and gay; and while
he directed his conversation especially to Elise, spoke scarcely one
word to Eva, though he looked much at her. After the first stiff
salutation, the Judge went again into his study, for the very appearance
of this man was painful to him. Leonore was polite, nay, almost friendly
to him, for she would willingly have loved one whom Eva loved. Assessor
Munter was present during this visit; but when he had seen, for a few
minutes, the glances which the Major cast upon Eva, and their magic
influence over her, and had observed and had read her whole heart in a
timid glance which she raised to her beloved, he withdrew silently and
hastily.

The Major came but seldom to the house, for the eye of the Judge
appeared to have the power of keeping him at a distance; on the
contrary, he managed it so that he saw Eva almost daily out of the
house. He met her when she went out, and accompanied her home from
church. Invitations came; sledging-parties and balls were arranged; and
Eva, who formerly was so well pleased with home, who had often given up
the pleasures of the world for the domestic evening circle, Eva appeared
to find nothing now pleasing at home; appeared only to be able to live
in those circles and those pleasures in which Major R. shone, and where
she could see herself distinguished by him. Precisely, therefore, on
account of these rencontres of the two, the family went as little as
possible into society. Still, notwithstanding all this, Eva's wishes
upon the whole were favoured. Leonore accompanied her faithfully
wherever she wished. The Judge was gloomy and disturbed in temper; the
mother was mild and accommodating; and as to Eva, she was in a high
degree sensitive; whilst whatever concerned her love, or seemed to
oppose her wishes in the slightest degree, brought her to tears and
hysterical sobs, and her friends became ever more and more aware how
violent and exclusive her love was to Major R. The mere glimpse of him,
the sound of his steps, the tone of his voice, shook her whole frame.
All earlier affectionate relationships had lost their power over her
he