The General and the General's lady talked to each other in their room about the porter's son—how he knew how to behave, and to express himself with the greatest propriety.
"He might be a tutor," said the General.
"Intellect!" said the General's lady; but she did not say anything more.
During the beautiful summer-time Mr. George several times visited the Count at his castle; and he was missed when he did not come.
"How much the good God has given you that he has not given to us poor mortals," said Emily to him. "Are you sure you are very grateful for it?"
It flattered George that the lovely young girl should look up to him, and he thought then that Emily had unusually good abilities. And the General felt more and more convinced that George was no cellar-child.
"His mother was a very good woman," he observed. "It is only right I should do her that justice now she is in her grave."
The summer passed away, and the winter came; again there was talk about Mr. George. He was highly respected, and was received in the first circles. The General had met him at a court ball.
And now there was a ball to be given in the General's house for Emily, and could Mr. George be invited to it?
"He whom the King invites can be invited by the General also," said the General, and drew himself up till he stood quite an inch higher than before.