"
A speaker's physiognomy is often more intelligible than his words;
and as Miss Hjelm saw the both hearty and spirited or jovial
expression in the counsellor's face, she had not that inclination,
which she under other circumstances would have had, quickly to
break off the conversation and go away. It is possible, also, that
his situation as Superior Court Counsellor--as that counsellor
mentioned by Miss Brandt--did not, after a moment's consideration,
appear to her so dreadful as at the first moment of surprise. So
she answered:
"But, Mr. Counsellor, is there then anybody who has accused you of
believing in witchcraft?"
"No, dear madam; but for all that I can assure you, that at the
moment the clock struck twelve I thought that you, by two o'clock,
most fly away in the form of a bird."
"As the clock struck twelve now, at noon?--not at midnight?"
"No, just a little since."
"That is remarkable. Can you satisfy my curiosity, and tell me
why?"
"Because under ordinary circumstances it appears to me impossible
for a lady to make her toilette and drive ten miles in less than
two hours."
"That is quite true, Mr. Counsellor; but neither do I intend to
drive ten miles to-day."
"It was for that reason that I said, fly."
"Neither fly. And to convince you and quite certainly rid you of
the idea of witchcraft, you can stay here, if you please, until--
what time was it?"
"Two o'clock."
"That is two long hours; but the Counsellor can, if he please, lay
that offering upon the altar of education.
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