eimers was paying his addresses to Marie Falkenhein. There
was no doubt that his intentions were serious. Well, he had no rivals
to fear. Falkenhein was poor every one knew that. He could have very
little income beyond his pay. And his daughter? Oh, yes, she was a
pretty, graceful creature; but she was not brilliantly beautiful, and
therefore could not have any very great expectations. No question of
anything beyond just a suitable and satisfactory marriage in the
service.

From this time onward the matter was almost regarded as settled; and in
the garrison gossip Marie von Falkenhein and Lieutenant Reimers were
soon spoken of as though their betrothal had been already announced.

Naturally the interesting news was eagerly carried to Frau von
Gropphusen, and she was narrowly watched for the effect of the
communication; but nothing could be detected. No flinching, no pauses
in the conversation, no alteration in the expression of her face or of
her voice. What a pity that there was no theatre in the town, when they
so thoroughly enjoyed such little dramas!

Hannah Gropphusen did not discontinue her visits to Frau Guentz. She
came neither more rarely nor more frequently. She seemed to have
regained self-control.

Frau Klaere's birthday was celebrated in the arbour of the Falkenheins'
garden, by the second _Maibowle_ of the season. They had drunk to the
health of the birthday-queen, and were just sitting down again when
there was the tinkle of a bicycle-bell outside in the street. The soft
sound of the quick wheels came nearer, and just in front of the garden
there was the thud of a light pair of feet jumping to the ground.

A clear voice, which would have sounded merry, but that for the moment
it seemed a little breathless, called up to the arbour: "Hurrah!
hurrah! And for the third time hurrah! Can one get anything to drink
here?"

Guentz hurried to the balustrade.

"My dear lady!" he exclaimed astonished. "Certainly you can! There's
still lots left."

He turned round: "Pardon me, sir, but here's Frau von Gropphusen."

Falkenhein went quickly to his side: "Do give us the pleasure of your
company, dear Frau von Gropphusen. I will have your bicycle taken in at
once."

He went to the gate and conducted Frau von Gropphusen to the arbour.
Guentz had already placed a chair at the table for her and poured out a
glass of _Maibowle_.

"Who rides so late through night and wind?" asked Klaere merrily,
holding out her