ounts, might be of very great use indeed. He had
ruled an account-book for her, and had had the pleasure of teaching her
how to make entries in it. She threw herself warmly into the new
pursuit, and ran into the kitchen ten times a day to see how Balbette
was getting on; but her calculations were not much to be depended upon,
and after having for a week conscientiously labored at the task, some
days of sunshine came, and then she could not resist accompanying the
forester on his rounds after game, or riding far beyond the boundary of
the estate on her little pony, forgetting alike the cook and her
book-keeping.

Again she purposed studying history and learning a little English under
was getting on; but her calculations were not much to be depended upon,
and after having for a week conscientiously labored at the task, some
days of sunshine came, and then she could not resist accompanying the
forester on his rounds after game, or riding far beyond the boundary of
the estate on her little pony, forgetting alike the cook and her
book-keeping.

Again she purposed studying history and learning a little English under
Anton's superintendence. Anton was delighted. But she could not
recollect dates, found the pronunciation of English impossible, and
sauntered off into the stable, or went into the room of the bailiff,
whose mechanical achievements she could watch with the utmost interest
for hours at a time. One day, when Anton came to call her to her English
lesson, he found her in Karl's room, a plane in her hand, working hard
at the seat of a new sledge, and good-naturedly saying, "Don't take so
much trouble with me, Wohlfart; I can learn nothing: I have always been
a dunce."

The snow again lay thick on the ground, and millions of ice-crystals
glittered in the sunshine on bush and tree. Karl had two sledges in
order, one a double-seated one, the other a running sledge for the young
lady, which, with her assistance, he had painted beautifully.

At the next morning conference Anton had to announce to the baroness
that he must go in the afternoon to Tarow on some police business.

"We know the Tarowskis from having met them at the Baths," said the
baroness. "We were quite intimate while there with Frau von Tarowska and
her daughter. I earnestly wish that the baron should have some
acquaintance in the neighborhood. Perhaps I may be able to prevail upon
him to pay a visit with us to-day. At all events, we ladies will avail
ou