"Tell him so yourself, if you have the courage," Ernestine interrupted him in rising wrath. "Ask the gentleman to walk in," she said authoritatively.
Willmers hurried out.
"Ernestine!" cried Leuthold in despair,--"this to me?"
"I will understand what this means about my being of age," cried the girl, with a glance at Leuthold before which his eyes sought the ground.
Möllner entered. He regarded Leuthold with entire composure and profound contempt, then bowed to Ernestine without looking at her. He wished to spare her, to give her time to collect herself. She misunderstood him. She thought he was cold, and met him with coldness.
A long pause ensued.
Leuthold, wishing to appear quite at his ease, broke the silence. "Allow me to ask, sir, what, after all that has passed between my niece and yourself, procures us the honour of a visit from you."
"I am about to inform Fräulein von Hartwich upon that head, and you will greatly oblige me by remaining present at this interview."
"Be pleased, then, to be seated," said Leuthold, motioning Johannes to a chair, "and let me request you to be brief, since we are just on the eve of departure."
"You will not go, Doctor Gleissert."