convent-island From one end of the year to
the other, no horse was to be seen upon the island, except when the
ground was ploughed. The pupils in amazement pointed out to each other
a plough, which a horse was drawing up and down the extreme point of
the island. A noble-looking farmer in a blue blouse, and with a gray
hat drawn down over his eyes, was guiding the plough. The children
stood at a distance watching the plough, as if it were some novel
wonder, and looked at Manna for permission to go nearer in order to
observe it. She nodded permission, and they walked along the gravelled
walk by the side of the field. Then the ploughman, taking off his hat,
made a salutation; Manna remained standing with a fixed look as if she
were under a spell. Is that not Herr von Pranken? He continued his
ploughing and said nothing. As he turned the plough, to come back, he
looked towards her and smiled; it was he.

"He's a splendid-looking ploughman," said one of the girls.

"And he seems so genteel," exclaimed another.

"And he has a seal ring on his finger," cried a third. "Who knows that
this is not a knight in disguise!"

Manna called to the children to return with her. She went into her
cell, from which the field could be overlooked, but she kept away from
the window. She felt flattered that Pranken should subject himself to
the most humble condition, in order to be near her, and she felt
grateful to him for being so modest and considerate as not to speak to
her. She debated with herself whether she should not mention it to the
Superior, but she came to the conclusion that she had no right to
betray Herr von Pranken's secret; besides, so far from there being any
harm in it, it was the noblest tribute of respect.

Going to the window, she saw that he kept steadily at his work, and he
had never seemed to her so pure and noble, so lovable as now, engaged
in this rustic labor.

On the window-sill was a rose-bush with a late rose in full bloom.
Looking up she caught sight of it, and took hold of the stem, thinking
she would pluck and throw it to him as a sign of recognition; but just
then, a lay-sister came in and informed her that a visitor had come who
asked to see Manna. The rose remained on its stem.

Manna turned round and seemed perplexed. Pranken is still there
ploughing. Could he be the one who was announced? or has the Countess
Bella arrived? With wavering step she descended to the reception-room.
The Superior introdu