He was quite afraid that there
would come more to choose among. Yet the fairy brightness of the
unknown had at this moment lost itself for him; for, however
brilliant it may appear to the fancy, it cannot be compared with
the warm, beautiful reality, particularly so long as this itself
is new and unknown.
He approached and spoke to Miss Hjelm with painful hidden emotion
of soul. She was friendly and open, for the name Counsellor Bagger
did not occur to her; and the idea she had formed of him did not
at all compare with the young, elegant, handsome man she was now
speaking with. True enough, his manner was somewhat peculiarly
gallant, which a lady cannot easily mistake; but this gallantry
was united with such an unmistakable respect, or more properly
awe, that he gave her the impression of a poetical, knightly
nature.
By and by there came more ladies, both married and unmarried, but
Bagger had almost forgotten what errand they could have with him.
At last Miss Brandt came also, accompanied by her sister. As she
opened the door, and saw Bagger by the side of Miss Hjelm, she
gave a little, a very little, cry, or, more properly, gasped aloud
for breath, and made a movement, as if something kept her back.
"Oh! my dress caught," she said, arranged it a little, and then
approached Mrs. Canuteson, with smiling face, to offer her
congratulation.
Bagger looked at the watch: he had been there two hours! After yet
lingering to exchange a few polite words with Miss Brandt, he took
leave.
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