Lenz felt something like envy. He was
obliged to get out at the Doctor's house, but the kind family there
insisted on his coming into the house.

How comfortable it all seemed! Are there really then such pretty, quiet
houses in the world, where it is so warm and cheerful, and where
blooming hyacinths exhale their fragrance at the window? and the
inhabitants are so kind and peaceful, for it is evident that no
passionate or loud words are heard here; and to see them all sitting
together with their faithful, honest hearts, imparts more warmth than
the best stove.

Lenz must drink some tea. Amanda gave him a cup, and said:--"I am so
glad to have you among us again. How is Annele? If I thought your wife
would like to see me, I should be glad to pay her a visit."

"Since five o'clock this morning--it seems to me eight days--I have not
been at home; I believe Annele is quite well, and I will let you know
when to come to us." After Lenz had said this, he looked round the room
as if seeking some one. And who knows what thoughts passed through his
soul?

How different would it have been if he had married one of these girls!
Pilgrim had positively assured him that he would not have been
rejected. He would then have been sitting here as one of the family,
with a position in the world--and what a position! and his wife would
have honoured and esteemed him, and all the good people here would have
been his relations.

Lenz nearly choked on the first mouthful of tea he swallowed. The old
lady--the Doctor's mother--who was eating her gruel at the tea-table,
had always been very fond of Lenz. She made him sit down beside her,
and as she was deaf, he was obliged to speak loud. She had been the
companion of his mother, and liked to relate anecdotes of her, and how
gay they had been together in their youthful days, especially in their
sledging parties during the carnival, which are now quite out of date.
Marie in those days used to be full of fun and frolic. The old lady
inquired, too, after Franzl, and Lenz mentioned having seen her this
very day--of course he made no allusion to her offer of money--and also
of Kathrine's kindness to Franzl, and her wish to adopt a child. He
related all this very pleasantly. All present listened to him quietly
and attentively, and it seemed quite surprising to Lenz to relate
anything without either being flatly contradicted, or hearing at all
events, "What's all that to me?"

The good old grandmoth