ndication of his
feelings.

"It is my music master, Mrs. Cruger. I think this is a splendid
opportunity for you to see him about your niece's music lessons." Mr.
Cruger looked almost shocked. A music master invited to take part in a
family function! Such conduct savoured of socialism, and socialism did
not appeal to him.

"Herr Von Barwig is a most exceptionable person," said Helene, quite
unconscious of the thought her words had aroused in her prospective
father-in-law.

"Von Barwig? Von Barwig?" repeated Mr. Cruger, apparently interested
in the name. "Don't I know that name? It seems quite familiar. A
music master, you say? Yes, it seems to me that I do know it!"

"He's one of the dearest old chaps I ever met," broke in Beverly, "such
a gentle creature, a most excellent musician, but rather unfortunate."

"I know the name quite well, but if it's the man I mean it's impossible
that it can be the same. He was a fine musician, from Dresden I think.
Was it Dresden?" he asked himself, as if annoyed that his memory had
played him false. "It must have been Dresden or Leipsic."

"Herr Von Barwig," announced Joles, in his most formal and freezing
manner.

Poor old Von Barwig came into the room expecting to see no one but
Helene, and was painfully astounded to see so many strangers. He wore
his old broadcloth suit; it was well brushed, but more shiny than ever.
Poons had carefully brushed it for him that morning and it was more
than scrupulously clean. His gloves were old, but Jenny had mended up
the holes the night before, so he looked even neater and more genteel
than usual this afternoon. He carried the cheap little bunch of
violets, wrapped in paper, in one hand and his hat in the other, for
Joles had never been able to persuade him to leave it in the hall. He
stood by the door, as close as he could get to it, as if afraid to come
in, and then bowed low to Helene and the others. There he waited with
timid dignity, uncertain as to what he should do next. There was a
dead silence for a few moments.

"I'm so glad to see you," said Helene in an affectionate tone, coming
to the rescue; and taking him warmly by the hand she led him away from
the door into the middle of the room.

"Glad to meet you again, Herr Von Barwig," said Beverly, coming
forward, and shaking hands with him far more cordially than the
occasion called for. He then introduced Von Barwig to his mother and
father. The elder Cruger l