pranks, and caprices."

But he quickly silenced the wish, for Barbara did not often give
the rein to her self-will so freely, and her objectionable traits of
character had been inherited from her mother. She was a good girl at
heart, and how much pleasure and favour her beautiful gift brought, how
much honour came to him and his ancient name through this rare child!
Yet at that time he was not aware of the new benefit he was to owe to
her within the next hour.

Before Barbara had returned home the treasurer of the imperial and royal
musicians came to his house and, in the regent's name, handed him the
gold of which Barbara had spoken for services rendered in the boy choir
of her Majesty Queen Mary. He was obliged to sign the receipt in his
daughter's name, and when the portly Netherlander, who could also make
himself understood in German, asked where a sup of good wine or beer
could be had in Ratisbon, he was ready to act as his guide.

Thanks to his daughter's rich gifts, he need not wield the graver any
longer that day, and for the second time could grant himself a special
treat.

When he returned home he learned from the one-eyed maid that Barbara had
been summoned by the Queen of Hungary to sing for her.

Weary as he was, he went to rest, and soon after the young girl entered
his room to bid him "good night."

The Queen had been very gracious, and after the singing was over had
inquired about hundreds of things--who had been her singing master, what
her religion was, whether her mother was still living, what calling her
father followed, whether he, too, had drawn the sword against the Turks,
her husband's murderers, whether she was accustomed to riding, and,
lastly, whether she was obliged to endure the narrow city streets in the
summer.

Barbara had then been able to answer that the Wollers sometimes invited
her to their country seat at Abbach, and intentionally added that they
were her nearest relatives, and owned the Ark, the large, handsome
family mansion which stood exactly opposite to the Golden Cross and
her Majesty's windows. She had also often been the guest of her uncle
Wolfgang Lorberer, who stood at the head of the community at Landshut.

It had gratified her to boast of these distinguished blood relations.

She had then been asked whether she could consent to leave her father
for a time to go into the country with the old Marquise de Leria, whom
she knew, and who was charmed with the beauty of