" I'd like to have such a flock of ducks," spoke
Hilda. " Mother is always wishing for eggs for
her cooking."

" Think of the rose-garden," added Eva, " and
the lilies, and all the flower beds. That is what
I would choose to have."

Well did Frieda know what each of her friends
liked best; and after the cakes were ready, she put
fresh flowers in all the vases and made little bou-
quets for her guests, while she planned with her
mother the surprise for the afternoon.
Copyright by Underwood & Underwood, N. Y.
Peasant Women gathering Seeds from the Onion-tops
Page 39



CHAPTER VI

THE CIRCLE-SISTERS

The circle-sisters arrived early in the afternoon,
and Frieda met them at the gate and walked with
them up the avenue to the castle.
As they passed the flower-gardens she stopped
to show them a late rose; but Ursula's eyes wan-
dered off to a field where peasant women, on their
knees, were gathering seeds from the onion-tops.
" Look! " she exclaimed; " that is your brother,
down by the onion field, is it not, Frieda? "

It was indeed Fritz who was walking toward
them; but he was no longer the gay, singing Fritz
of the morning. His soft riding-hat was gone,
his coat was spattered with mud, and his riding-
boots were wet through and through.
"Walking straight up to Frieda he handed her
the reading-book, saving as he did so, " I am sorry
that it is torn." Then he shook hands politely with
each of the circle-sisters.
"Did you give the reading-lesson?" asked
Frieda, looking at the torn and muddy book.
" Ja," replied Fritz briefly, and turned to go to
the house.
