a good spirit," said Mr. Stanton, "but I
really don't see how an early marriage would interfere with his
resolutions on that point. He could go on working."

"His income is insufficient just at present," said Helene, "and it will
be until next year. The marriage cannot take place till then. I am
sorry."

"Some time next winter, eh? That's a long time, Helene; so many things
may happen," said Mr. Stanton thoughtfully.

"What could happen?" asked Helene in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know; I'm nervous and apprehensive. I want to see you married
and settled," replied her father almost peevishly, as if he didn't want
to go into explanations. "I've a curious notion that I want to see you
married and settled. It's a--a--my anxiety for you, Helene," added Mr.
Stanton, forcing a smile.

"You're very kind," repeated Helene. She did not understand her father
in the least. He seemed to be afraid of something, his manner was
distinctly apprehensive. She moved slowly toward the door, deep in
thought.

"Are you going?" asked Mr. Stanton.

"My music master is waiting for me," replied Helene.

"Your music master? Oh, yes, you said you'd taken up your studies
again."

Helene smiled. "You can hardly call it taking up my studies," she
said. "Herr Von Barwig just--so to speak--goes over; I hardly know how
to describe it. I think he tries to improve my technique."

Was it imagination or had her father turned ashen pale? He looked at
her, barely able to speak; he seemed to have received an awful shock
and he was gasping for breath. What had happened? There was a pause
during which Helene wondered why she had not noticed before how pale
and ill her father looked, and how his hands trembled.

"What did you say was his name?" asked Mr. Stanton, barely able to
repress the emotion in his voice.

"Professor Von Barwig. Oh, he's not known here as well as he was in
Germany! What's the matter, father?" she cried out as the man almost
tottered into his chair. "Father, father! what is it?"

"Nothing, nothing; what should be the matter? I--these attacks come
periodically now. A little heart trouble--it will soon pass away.
Ring for Joles!"

She obeyed him instantly.

"Good God, good God! Is it possible? Right under my own roof!"
muttered Stanton, "and with her! Oh, God!"

"I rang for him, father," said Helene, looking at him anxiously.

"It's Ditson I want to see. Ditson, Ditson! not Joles."