"
Nevertheless, things became suspiciously different after the breach
between Wilhelm and Loulou. In Malvine's somewhat narrow but well-
regulated mind a brave romance had been mistakenly built up. Now
Wilhelm was free: now she need have no feeling of duty on account of
that superficial, pleasure-seeking Loulou, who had never been worthy
of him. Was it impossible that he might notice her? would be
grateful for her sympathy? and perhaps--who knows--later--he might
seek consolation from her--who was so ready to give it? The
concluding chapter of this girlish romance remained her own secret,
but the beginning she boldly declared. She explained to her
grandmother, as well as to Paul, that now Dr. Eynhardt was in need
of being comforted, it was the duty of his friends to try to
overcome his sorrow. She proposed that Paul should bring him as
often as possible, and she obtained from Frau Brohl the unwonted
permission of inviting him to the Sunday luncheon. Wilhelm had
little pleasure in going into ordinary society, especially to
strangers, but this invitation was so warm and pressing that he
could not bring himself to refuse it.
When Wilhelm was there Paul was put completely in the background.
Malvine had no words or glances for any one but Wilhelm, and if she
spoke to Paul it was only to thank him for having brought Dr.
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