"'Geb'? What is that?" asked the cousin. "That is Ingeborg,"
answered Miss Hjelm, with a plain simplicity, showing how deeply
she had believed in the earnestness of the message.

"It was really remarkable!" said the cousin, and added with a
smile which perhaps was somewhat ironical: "And did you then
resolve to remain unmarried, until the unknown letter-writer
should come and redeem his vow?"

"I will not say that," answered Ingeborg, who quickly became more
guarded; "but the letter perhaps contained some stronger
requirements than under the circumstances could be fulfilled."

"So! and now?"

"Now I have presented the letter to Miss Brandt."

"You gave it away? Why?"

"Because I learned that the man, who perhaps or probably wrote it
in his youth, has spoken about it publicly, and is counsellor in
one of the courts."

"Oh, I understand," said the cousin, half audibly: "when the ideal
is found out to be a counsellor, then--"

"Then it is not an ideal any longer? No. The whole had been
spoiled by being fumbled in public. I would get away from the
temptation to think of him. Do court to him, announce myself to