In a combination solvent extraction-steam distillation process for the recovery of aromatic hydrocarbons, the improvement comprising(a) introducing high pressure steam into a steam ejector;(b) passing the steam from step (a) to a first heat exchanger where it exchanges heat with cooler lean solvent coming from the bottom of the distillation column and is condensed;(c) returning the lean solvent from step (b) to the bottom of the distillation column;(d) passing part of the condensate from step (b) to a second heat exchanger where it exchanges heat with the warmer lean solvent coming from the bottom of the distillation column, cooling the lean solvent and vaporizing the condensate; and(e) passing the vapor from step (d) to the steam ejector in step (a).