Malcolm made his way to the house she occupied.

The meeting was an affecting one.

Malcolm was greatly grieved over the death of his staunch friend, and joined in the sorrow of the countess and her daughter.

A few days after his arrival the countess said to him: "I am of course aware, Malcolm, of the conversation which the count had with you concerning Thekla, and my wishes fully agreed with his on the subject.

In other times one would not speak of marriage when Thekla's father had been but two months dead; but it is no time for conventionalities now.