"Moreover," said Greifenstein, now addressing his wife
directly, " I am sure you will recollect that we proposed to ask
our cousin to stay with us until the young people returu from
their wedding trip."

"Yes — yes. I believe we did," replied Clara very vaguely
and nodding her head slowly at each word. " Indeed we did ! "
she exclaimed turning quickly with one of her unexpected smiles.
" Of coui'se ! Dear, dear ! What could you do, all by yourself
up there among those towers? Such a solitary life, and your
only daughter, too ! How I pity you ! "

" You. are very kind. But I am not much to be pitied. Many
mothers lose their children altogether when they have married
them. Hilda will always be near me, and we can see each other
as often as we please."

" Your room at Greifenstein will always be ready to receive
you," said the master of the house.
"Oh always, always ! " affirmed his wife with great vivacity.
The conversation languished. It was impracticable to discuss
anything seriously in the presence of Frau von Greifenstein, for
her inopportune interruptions rendered any connected talk im-
possible. Presently Greifenstein took a newspaper from his
pocket and began to read the news of the day aloud to the two
ladies. He did not read well, and the sound of his mechanical
voice had a drowsy effect in the warm June air, like the clack-
ing of an old-fashioned mill, dull, regular and monotonous.
