st an expedient occurred to the Major. Two strange horses must be
left in the stable by themselves; perhaps they will kick a little at
first, but they are soon on good terms. He busied himself in giving a
long account to Eric and Roland of the vineyard, which would this year
yield wine for the first time, virgin wine as it was called; they must
go with him to see it.

The ladies were now by themselves. The Mother wanted to say something
commendatory of Fraeulein Milch, about whom she had heard so many
favorable things; but this did not exactly suit her, and by a happy
turn she referred to the strangeness of the change in her own life, and
how much she needed help.

This was the right key to touch, for Fraeulein Milch was in her element
whenever she could render any advice and assistance. She took an
unexpectedly deep view, saying that a firm position in life could be
kept, so long as one's self-respect was preserved. The Mother was
surprised at the tact and knowledge of the world she displayed. She
expected to see a narrow-minded, frivolous, talkative housewife, and
here was evidence of refined thought which could be the result only of
deep and mature reflection.

She wanted to say, You are more than your circumstances would indicate;
but she refrained, and expressed anew her satisfaction at the beauty of
the landscape, which was continually unfolding hidden charms, and at
the rich fulness of life, as revealed in human beings, who even in
solitude cherished refined thoughts and noble sentiments. Fraeulein
Milch, who had seated herself with her cup of coffee a little apart
from the table, now drew up nearer, and beginning with an allusion to
Eric's discreet management, she proceeded to give a clear-sighted
characterization of Herr Sonnenkamp and his wife.

She did not mention Fraeulein Perini. She only expressed her regret that
Herr Sonnenkamp, who was not really hardhearted, should have no
systematic beneficence. She drew a picture of the necessitous condition
of various people in the neighborhood, for she knew everybody for miles
around. The Mother said finally:--

"I thank you; you remind me of a work which I had lost sight of, and
which was the very reason of my coming here. If I have the disposal of
Herr Sonnenkamp's charities, will you assist me?"

Fraeulein Milch promised to do so; but she suggested that it would be
very much more expedient for the Professorin to have the cooperation of
the daughter of the