st to me just as you are.' Yes, it may be to
him, but not to myself. If Madame Perini were not so kind, I don't know
indeed what I should do. Do you play whist? Do you love nature? I am
very simple, am I not?"

Perhaps Frau Ceres expected that the mother would contradict her, but
she did not, only saying:--

"If there is anything that I can teach you, I'll do it cheerfully. I
have known other ladies like yourself, and I could tell you why you are
always ailing."

"Why! Do you know that? you?"

"Yes, but it is not flattering."

"Ah, no matter; tell me."

"My dear child, you are all the time ill, because you are all the time
idle. If a person has nothing to do, then his health gives him
something to do."

"Oh, you are wise, but I am weak," said Frau Ceres.

And there was in her an utter helplessness and weakness; she looked
upon herself, and was looked upon by Sonnenkamp, as a fragile toy; and
at the same time she was indolent, and the least effort was a burden to
her. She did not know whether to hear or to see required the greater
exertion; but she found the latter the greater bore, for while one was
reading one must hold the book and hold one's self in a particular
position, and therefore she always let Fraeulein Perini read aloud to
her; this had the advantage that one could go to sleep whenever there
was the inclination.

This was the case now.

Whilst the Mother was speaking, Frau Ceres suddenly let go her hand,
and it was soon evident that the reclining one had fallen asleep; Frau
Dournay sat there in that chamber furnished splendidly and richly as if
it were an apartment in some fairy tale. She held her breath, and did
not know what course to take. What is the meaning of all this? Here are
riddles in plenty. She did not dare to change her position, for she was
afraid of waking the sleeper. The latter turned now and said,--

"Ah, go now, go now,--I will come down soon myself." She left the room.

Sonnenkamp was waiting for her outside.

"How did she seem?" he asked anxiously.

"Very gentle and quiet," replied the Mother. "But I have one request. I
hope to cure the excitability or lassitude of your wife, but I beg you
never to ask me what we have said to each other. If I am to gain her
entire confidence, I must be able to say to her in good faith, that
what she tells me is told to me alone; and that what she imparts to me
will never pass my lips. Are you willing to promise that we ladies
shall do a