an breathe again! Now I can leave you with a cheerful
heart!"

"But why will you leave us?" asked she, in a half-discontented tone.

"Because," answered Jacobi, "it would not give me pleasure to witness a
betrothal which will soon be celebrated; because, from your late
behaviour, I must be convinced you cannot entertain any warmer
sentiments towards me."

"If that were the case," replied she, in the same tone as before, "I
should not have been depressed so long."

"How!" exclaimed Jacobi, joyfully. "Ah, Louise, what words! what bold
hopes may they not excite! Might I mention them to you? might I venture
to say to you what I some time have thought, and still now think?"

Louise was silent, and Jacobi continued:

"I have thought," said he, "that the humble, unprovided-for Jacobi could
offer you a better fortune than your rich neighbour of Oestanvik. I have
hoped that my love, the true dedication of my whole life, might make you
happy; that a smaller portion of worldly wealth might satisfy you, if it
were offered you by a man who know deeply your worth, and who desired
nothing better than to be ennobled by your hand. Oh, if this beloved
hand would guide me through life, how bright, how peaceful would not
life be! I should fear neither adversity nor temptation! and how should
I not endeavour to be grateful to Providence for his goodness to me! Ah,
Louise! it is thus that I have thought, and fancied, and dreamed! Oh,
tell me, was it only a dream, or may not the dream become a reality?"

Louise did not withdraw the hand which he had taken, but looked upon the
speaker with infinite kindness.

"One word," besought Jacobi, "only one word! Might I say _my_ Louise?
Louise--mine?"

"Speak with my parents," said Louise, deeply blushing, and turning aside
her head.

"My Louise!" exclaimed Jacobi, and, intoxicated with tenderness and joy,
pressed her to his heart.

"Think of my parents," said Louise, gently pushing him back; "without
their consent I will make no promise. Their answer shall decide me."

"We will hasten together, my Louise," said he, "and desire their
blessing."

"Go alone, dear Jacobi," said Louise. "I do not feel myself calm enough,
nor strong enough. I will wait your return here."

* * * * *

With this fifth scene we conjecture that the little drama has arrived at
the desired conclusion, and therefore we add no further scene to that
which naturally follows.

As the