In spite of this Wilhelm took out his card, and holding it out said, "Will you kindly announce me, as I am expected." The man left him in an anteroom, and after a short pause took him into the drawing-room.

He soon returned, with a manner entirely changed, and submissively asked Wilhelm to follow him to a little blue boudoir, where Loulou received him with a joyful exclamation, but the first greetings, owing to the servant's presence, were exchanged without an embrace, and when they were alone Wilhelm only found sufficient courage to kiss her hand.
It was quite different now from the old times at the Scloss hotel, and in the woodland paths at Hornberg.

Wilhelm had to keep to visiting hours, and was seldom alone with Loulou.

He took courage then to say "Du," but it was forbidden before other people.

To kiss her in those drawing rooms with their betraying mirrors, and their portieres, and carpets was hardly possible.