binetsraethin served as a very excellent means of bringing them
together. There was something exceedingly captivating in the way in
which she so very modestly placed herself as the inferior of the
Professorin, giving to her the position of honor which she might
perhaps have attained as a right, but which was now conceded to her by
sovereign grace; for the Cabinetsraethin repeatedly said, that the
Professorin had been the first lady at the court in her day, and that
even now, if the court circle wanted to specify any exalted excellence,
they pointed to her. She found herself, at first, put under some degree
of constraint by being placed upon such an elevated pinnacle, but she
was grateful to the illustrious lady for her evident endeavor to
convert her condition of dependence and poverty into one which was
regarded with respectful homage.

Fraeulein Perini herself was subdued by this character so calmly
dignified, this countenance so placid and open, so beaming with
youthful brightness, so benignantly radiant that nothing unworthy or
impure could approach; and in this countenance the heart manifested
itself, always young, full of the inspiration that had been awakened by
the ideal life of her husband, and that was now called forth by the
presence of her son. She said the simplest things with such charming
grace, that they appeared to be of great importance, and with such
freshness, that it seemed as if this were the first time they had ever
been known.

While they were together at noon, a letter came from Bella. She sent a
welcome to the Professor's widow, and appointed the next day for a
visit.

Frau Dournay wished to send back an answer by the messenger, but he had
been immediately sent off, no one knew why. It was Sonnenkamp who had
given the order, and when she despatched her letter through a messenger
attached to the house, it strayed first into Sonnenkamp's cabinet, who
understood how to open it very dexterously, and who read with great
satisfaction the reply which was no less decided than it was delicate
in expression. Sonnenkamp smiled as he read where the lady laid stress
upon the fact that she was the guest of the family, received as such in
the kindest manner, and begged that the promised visit might be made to
them, and to herself as their visitor.

Sonnenkamp smiled again and again, for he confidently expected that the
Professor's widow would compel the whole neighborhood to accept
himself, finally, as a