human
Strange! said the hostess;
gpt
Herr von Hollfeld must have stayed at Odenberg. He was with the ladies this morning when the carriage passed,
human
How will Fräulein von Walde endure the separation?
gpt
Why, is there anything in that quarter?
human
Don’t you know that, child? cried Ceres.
gpt
We can’t tell yet what his sentiments are, but beyond all doubt she loves him passionately. In fact, it is almost certain that the love is all on one side; for how can such an unfortunate cripple inspire affection,—and in such a cold nature as Hollfeld’s, which has been unmoved by the greatest beauties?
human
Yes, true enough, said Venus, with a glance at the mirror, which Flora, in spite of her emaciation, had entirely monopolized.
gpt
But Fräulein von Walde is enormously rich!
human
Oh, he can have the wealth at a cheaper rate, said Flora.
gpt
He is said to be heir to the sister and brother too.
human
Oh, the brother! rejoined Venus.
gpt
He had better not rely upon his chances there. Herr von Walde is a man in the prime of life, and may marry at any time.
human
Nonsense! cried Ceres, excitedly.
gpt
The woman is yet to be born, or rather sent down from heaven, who can touch him. He is haughtiness itself, and has less heart than his cousin. How provoked I used to be at the court-balls, to see him standing in the doorway with his arms crossed as if they were glued together, and looking down so arrogantly upon the crowd. Only when the princess, or one of the royal family, requested him to dance did he stir from the spot, and then he was at no pains to conceal that he cared not a bit for the honour. Well, we know well enough what his requisitions are for the woman at whose feet he will lay the proud name of von Walde—Ancestors! ancestors she must have, and her pedigree must date from Noah’s ark.