"Please do that no more," said the voice, "or I shall be forced to be troublesome, and do not look for the bell-rope, it would only be disagreeable for you if the servants should enter the room now."
"What do you want then, fearful man?"
"To remain where I am. At present I want nothing further."
Suddenly a new light dawned in Mrs. Ulrica's brain. What if he should be an unfortunate suitor for her love.
"How?" said she, forcing all her pride and dignity into her words, "how? remain here? Sir, this is my bed-room."
"And here no man has a right to enter except my husband."
"And myself," added the voice.
At this unexpected reply, the lady summoned courage to examine the unabashed visitor more closely. He was an elegantly formed man, and as he gazed at her with his expressive eyes, interest and repugnance were both created within her heart. The repugnance was caused by the fact that the man wore a blue frieze coat, which unfortunate garment at once dispelled her romantic dreams.
"Will you explain the cause of this unheard of impertinence?"