"Oh, it was much more lively the last time," said the Honorable Lady. "Was it not truly extraordinary, General?"
"Phenomena cannot be forced," replied the General. "One has to practise patience. We would better stop, for the present."
So the session ended, and after the medium, with many obsequious airs, had taken her leave, they partook of a delicious supper.
Johannes retained his place beside the hostess, and the remembrance of the soft, warm hand that he had been able to hold in his own for so long a time made him very happy. He was not disappointed. Oh, no, he was elated—his excellent friend was so nice, so good, and so kind to him.
A new Dutch waitress in black and wearing a snow-white cap with long strings was in attendance. Johannes paid no attention to her, but noticed that Van Lieverlee looked at her repeatedly.
"Did you not think it a remarkable evening?" asked the countess, after the guests were gone and they were alone together.
"I thought it splendid," replied Johannes, with sincerity.
"They called it a failure," said the countess, "but it impressed me quite otherwise. I feel greatly moved."
"I too," said Johannes.
"Do you? That makes me happy. So you, also, feel that we need to be converted?"