ng of the New Year.

CHAPTER XI.

THE ICE BREAKS UP.

In the morning, when Eric and Roland were saying good-by at the green
cottage, a message came from Fraeulein Milch to offer herself and the
Major that day, as visitors to the Professorin.

The Professorin praised to aunt Claudine the tact of the housekeeper,
who evidently felt that they would be lonely on that day.

It was snowing steadily, and from her closed window the Mother made a
sign of farewell to her son and to Roland, who drove by in the first
carriage, and afterwards to Herr Sonnenkamp and Fraeulein Perini, who
bowed from their carriage: Frau Ceres lay in the corner, closely
wrapped up, and did not move.

The Major and Fraeulein Milch soon arrived. The Major kept himself under
strict military discipline, and allowed no slight indisposition to
change his stiff bearing; he was rather hoarse, and could say even less
than usual, but he offered the congratulations of the New Year to the
ladies with as much cordiality as formality.

"This year," he said, "will complete the fifty years that we have lived
together."

He pointed to Fraeulein Milch, and his hand said, Not a better creature
walks the earth. But his looks said still more, which was not so easily
understood.

They had a very cheerful dinner, and Fraeulein Milch told them how many
pleasant things she had already heard about the valuable presents, in
the various houses.

The Major forced himself to master his indisposition, to be fit company
for the three ladies; he praised the Professorin for knowing how to
make such excellent soup, though she was such a learned lady.

"Yes, yes," he laughed, "I've really had to force Herr Sonnenkamp to
have soup at his table. You see, if I had to go a day without soup, I
should feel as if I were wearing my boots without stockings; the lower
story of the stomach is cold."

They laughed at this comparison, and the Major thus encouraged,
continued:--

"Yes, Frau Professorin, you know everything; can you tell me how it is
that though this day is just like yesterday, we feel that there's
something peculiar about it because it's New Year's Day? I feel as if
I'd put on clean clothes for the whole year."

Again there was a general laugh, and the Major chuckled, well pleased;
he had done his part, now he could leave the others to themselves.

After dinner, the Professorin insisted that the Major