However, as soon as he dared venture,
he went and rang at the door-bell. This first visit was a
combination of painful feelings for Wilhelm, for while his heart
beat, that now he was near the dearest one on earth, he was
conscious that here he was a stranger. A servant dressed in black
who opened the door did not seem to expect him, and asked him whom
he wanted. When Wilhelm asked for Frau Ellrich, he said shortly that
she was not at home. 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.
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