“I am engaged to ascend an alp with the Rosenbergs; indeed, I have promised to make an excursion with them which will last three days.”
“You will not find us here on your return,” said his mother, resolutely; “I totally disapprove of your conduct in every respect, and will not afford you the excuse of passing your time with us, in order to continue it.”
“But, my dear mother——”
“I thought you were too honourable,” she continued, “to pay attentions which could lead to nothing. You know your father will never consent to such a connection!”
“I hoped—through your influence—in time, perhaps——”
“Hope nothing, in this case, from me; much as I desire to see you happily married, such a daughter-in-law——”
“I defy any one to point out a single fault,” cried Zedwitz, eagerly; “she is beautiful—Agnes, you, who understand so well what beauty is, tell me—is she not beautiful?”
“She is the most beautiful person I ever saw,” answered Agnes, warmly; “indeed, mamma, there is some excuse for Max’s admiration.”
“I don’t blame him or any one for admiring her; but Max spoke just now of more than admiration. He must not forget that she is not noble, and that her family are odiously vulgar.”
“But she is not vulgar,” observed Agnes, kindly; “I have spoken to her two or three times, and think her a very nice person.”