ever had his manner been more humble than it now was as he
left the room. But when the door was closed behind him, he stood quite
still for a moment, and the disagreeable expression of his mouth was
greatly enhanced by the smile of triumph which lit up his countenance.

"Ah!" he exclaimed under his breath, "beauty and wealth; they will
indeed compensate for the past."

CHAPTER IV.

When Frau von Trautenau, with her family, entered the spacious
prayer-room, to be present at the love-feast, the mass of the
congregation had already assembled, and were singing to the
accompaniment of the organ. The lady accepted the places assigned to
her and Adele by Sister Agatha, but Alexander and his brother took
possession of an empty bench near the door.

The room presented a strange appearance for a place of worship. It was
destitute of any ornament whatever. The altar, which was at one end,
consisted of a simple wooden table, on which stood a large crucifix.
The brothers and sisters sat at long tables covered with white linen;
but, as usual, the sexes were seated apart. Each member was served
with a small cup of tea and a little bun.

After a while the music ceased, and a long prayer by the principal
elder followed after which another member read a letter from one of
their missionaries, Joseph Hubner, who was at work in the land of the
Kaffres. This letter presented a touching picture of humble
self-sacrifice and sincere devotion.

Alexander felt deeply moved, and forgot the strange mixture of
religious exercises and temporal enjoyment which this feast displayed.
Absorbed in listening, he did not observe that, in his immediate
vicinity, a singular commotion had arisen, and that a good deal of
whispering was carried on among the Brothers, as they regarded him and
Hans with curious glances. After the reading of the letter another
hymn was given out; then Hans nudged his brother.

"What is there so peculiar about us? Everybody is gazing at us so!"

Alexander glanced about, to see if anything was wrong, but could
discover nothing amiss. They had quietly and politely partaken of the
feast when it was offered to them, yet something must be wrong to
create such a sensation; so he turned to some one sitting near by, with
the question:

"Are we depriving any one of this seat?"

"Oh no, indeed, my dear sir," he replied.

"So much the better," said Alexander. "We do not wish to cause any
inconvenience and I began