"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 Candidate hastened with lover's speed to Louise's parents he struck hard against somebody in the doorway, who was coming out. The two opponents stepped back each a few paces, and the Candidate and the Landed-proprietor stared in astonishment on each other.
"Pardon me," said the Candidate, and was advancing; but the Landed-proprietor held him back, whilst he inquired with great earnestness, and with a self-satisfied smile, "Hear you, my friend: can you tell me whether Cousin Louise is in the garden? I came this moment from her parents, and would now speak with her. Can you tell me where she is?"
"I—I don't know!" said Jacobi, releasing himself, and hastening with a secret anxiety of mind up to her parents.
In the mean time the Landed-proprietor had caught a glimpse of "Cousin Louise's" person in the garden, and hastened up to her.