whenever he passes a field of buckwheat he moves his mouth as if
chewing, and made Wilhelm observe a Viennese carriage, which
approached them by a neighboring road. To judge from the coachman
and the horses, it must be the family from the hall.

This was the case--they returned from paying a visit. Where the
roads crossed they met each other. Otto immediately recognized Miss
Sophie, and near to her sat an elderly lady, with a gentle, good-humored
countenance; this was the mother. Now there was surprise and joy.
Sophie blushed--this blush could not have reference to the brother;
was it then the Kammerjunker? No: that appeared impossible! therefore,
it must concern Otto. The mother extended her hand to him with a
welcome, whilst at the same time she invited the Kammerjunker to
spend the afternoon with them. There lay, in the manner with which
she proposed this, so much attention and consideration, that Otto
felt the man was here held in greater esteem, and was otherwise
regarded than he, during their short acquaintance, had imagined possible.

Sophie added, smiling, "You must stay!" To which the Kammerjunker
replied with an apology for his travelling-dress.

"We are not strangers!" said the mother; "it is only a family meal!
You see the usual circle. You, Mr. Thostrup," added she, with a
most obliging manner, "I know so well from Wilhelm's letters, that
we are no strangers. The gentlemen are acquainted with each other!"

"I accept the invitation," said the Kammerjunker, "and I will now
show you into what a gallop I can put my steed! It is Carl Rise,
[Translator's Note: Name of one of the heroes in Waldemar the
Conqueror, a romance by Ingemann.] as you see, young lady--you