pancakes and maple syrup of which Alfy
was very fond, and soon after, the three were busy again in the sewing
room. There they stayed, quietly working and talking, Alfy telling of
the little Babcocks, till it was time for the girls to get ready for
the automobile ride. Dorothy had apparently forgotten all about the
surprise for she never even mentioned it at all.

"Alfy," said Dorothy, when they were most ready, "when we get to Herr
Deichenberg's you must be very quiet as I take my lesson and not say
anything at all. You know Herr does not like to be disturbed while he
gives a lesson. You will find many curious things to look at, and if
you want to ask about any of them, you just remember what you want to
ask about and tell me after."

Alfy promised, and in a few minutes the girls heard Gerald toot his
automobile horn. Quickly they ran, waving good-bye and throwing kisses
to Aunt Betty, who was looking out of the second story window. With
Jim seated beside Gerald, they started.

Dorothy told Gerald the direction to take and after a very short time
they drew up at Herr Deichenberg's little cottage. The girls descended
and bade Jim and Gerald good-bye.

"Oh, Dorothy," Gerald called back, "when shall I return for you?"

Dorothy, greatly surprised, questioned, "You are coming back, Gerald?"

"Surely."

"Oh, goody, goody. Be here at twelve o'clock. That will bring us back
home in time for lunch at one o'clock."

Alfy, who thought the previous ride had been to short altogether,
exclaimed "Oh, I'm so, so, so glad. We can have another ride. Oh,
Dorothy, I do just love automobiling, I really do."

Frau Deichenberg came to the door just then and ushered the two girls
into the cozy living-room where they laid aside their wraps. "Herr is
in the studio," murmured Frau. "He is awaiting you there, Miss
Dorothy."

"I'll go right up," answered Dorothy. "Now Frau Deichenberg, do not
bother with Alfy at all. She can amuse herself till I finish." With
that Dorothy ascended the stairs and Frau, after excusing herself by
saying she must tend dinner as they always had dinner at noon--Herr
wanted it so--left Alfy alone.

Alfy roamed about the room and examined all kinds of curios,--queer
baskets, curious vases, old fans and precious paintings and etchings.
So quickly did the time pass that she never noticed Dorothy as she
came into the room.

"Well, Alfy, all ready to go home?" chirped Dorothy from behind her.

"Well, well, I