course," she hastily corrected
herself, "giving up her love for the Fatherland. She has only one
relation left in Germany, a married niece in Berlin. Her own daughter is
the wife of an Englishman, a tradesman in London."

"That makes no difference," said Manfred Hegner; "she will be welcome,
most heartily welcome, to-night! This is the moment, as the Reverend Mr.
Dean so well put it to me, when all Germans should stick together, and
consult as to the wisest and best thing to do in their own interests."

"Yes, indeed, Mr. Hegner. I quite agree with the Dean. But do not do
anything to upset my poor old Anna. She really is not involved in the
question at all. She has lived with me nearly twenty years, and my
daughter and I regard her far more as a friend than as a servant. The
fact that she is German is an accident--the merest accident! Nothing in
her life, thank God, will be changed for the worse. And, Mr. Hegner? I
should like to say one more thing." She looked earnestly into his face,
but even she could see that his eyes were wandering, and that there was
a slight look of apprehension in the prominent eyes now fixed on a group
of farmers who stood a few yards off staring at him and at Mrs. Otway.

"Yes, gracious lady," he said mechanically, "I am attending."

"Do not think that English people bear any ill-feeling to you and your
great country! We feel that Germany, by breaking her word to Belgium,
has put herself in the wrong. It is England's duty to fight, not her
pleasure, Mr. Hegner. And we hope with all our hearts that the war will
soon be over."

He murmured a word of respectful assent. And then, choosing a rather
devious route, skirting the fine old Council House, which is the most
distinctive feature of Witanbury Market Place, he hurried back to his
big stores.

* * * * *

Mrs. Otway opened the wrought-iron gate of the Trellis House with a
feeling of restful satisfaction; but there, in her own pretty, peaceful
home, a not very pleasant surprise awaited her. Good old Anna, hurrying
out into the black and white hall to meet her gracious lady, did not
receive Mr. Hegner's kind invitation as her mistress had supposed she
would do. A look of indecision and annoyance crossed her pink face.

"Ach, but to go to Mr. Froehling promised have I," she muttered.

And then Mrs. Otway exclaimed, "But the Froehlings are Germans! They will
certainly be there themselves. Mr. Froehling cannot