Whilst Elise listened to these words, she felt as if a refreshing breeze passed through her soul. Nothing more seemed to her difficult. All the troubles of life seemed light, on account of the bright end to be attained. And then, as she thought on the manly warm heart which lived so entirely for her good and the children's, she felt a proud joy that she could look up to her husband; and at the same time a sense of humility slid into her heart, she bowed herself over his hand, and kissed it fervently.
This did not please the Judge, because, like every other decided and powerful man, it gratified him rather to pay homage to woman than, at least by outward bearing, to receive homage from her. He therefore withdrew his hand with some displeasure.
"Why may I not kiss your hand," inquired Elise, "if it give me pleasure?"
"Because it gives me no pleasure, and you must not do it again."
"Well, well, dear friend, you need not forbid it so sternly. Perhaps I shall never again have the desire to do it."
"All the better," said he.
"Perhaps not!" returned Elise. "But let us now go to rest."