"Yes, they are very much liked!" said the coachman; "the gentleman
may believe we know how to value them."

"And now, which of the young ladies is the best?" asked Otto.

"Yes, every one is best served by Miss Louise," returned the
fellow.

"Miss Sophie is the prettiest," said Otto.

"Yes, she is also very good,--she belongs to the learned ones! She
knows German, that she does! she can act comedy very excellently! I
once got permission with the rest of the people to be up-stairs in
the sitting-room--we stood behind the family; she did not manage
her affairs at all badly."

However much the old legends interested Otto, it seemed as though
he listened with more pleasure to the simple reasonings of the
coachman upon the family who were become so dear to him. Words and
thoughts were busied about the objects there. Wilhelm, however, was
and still remained the dearest; he recollected with what mildness
Wilhelm had stretched forth his hand in reconciliation, when he
himself had thrust him from him. Already the happy summer days
which he had spent at the country-seat, the whole visit, appeared a
beautiful but short dream.

Otto felt an inward impulse to express his gratitude; his pride
even, which was a fundamental feature of his character, commanded
him to do this. Wilhelm's affection, his desire for a continued
friendship, Otto thought he must reward; and on this account he