NOTHING BUT EYES.

Two carriages were waiting at the landing. Manna received the embraces
and kisses of her father without returning them, and watched, in
apparent terror, the receding steamer, which, after quickly landing its
passengers, went swiftly on its way.

"Your mother is in the carriage," said Sonnenkamp, offering Manna his
arm. She laid her hand timidly upon it, allowed herself to be led to
the glass carriage, in which sat Frau Ceres and Fraeulein Perini, and,
taking her seat beside her mother, embraced her passionately.

Sonnenkamp and Roland entered the other carriage, and all drove toward
the villa. The father muttered something to himself about not having
heard the sound of his daughter's voice.

"Where is Eric?" asked Roland.

"In the green cottage with his mother. It was considerate on the part
of a stranger to retire to his own relations at such a time, and leave
the family alone."

Roland was struck by the words. Were Eric and his family strangers?

On arriving at the villa, Fraeulein Perini also withdrew hastily, and
went to the Priest's house, whence a messenger was soon despatched to
the telegraph station.

The parents were alone with their children, but there seemed a chill in
the room which banished all feeling of quiet and comfort.

Sonnenkamp and Roland took Manna to her room, where she was pleased to
find everything in its old place, and, at sight of the open fire-place
filled with beautiful growing plants, turned to her father and thanked
him, offering him her hand for the first time, and kissing his; but she
could not repress a shudder at touching the ring on his thumb.

When Roland was left alone with his sister, he urged her to visit his
grandmother and aunt that very day; but Manna reproved him for giving
such names to persons not really related to him.

"Ah, but you must love them too," said Roland.

"Must? One can love nobody upon compulsion. Let me tell you, Roland--
but no; there is no need."

She yielded at last to his persuasions, and went with him through the
new gateway in the garden wall, along the meadows by the shore.

"There goes Eric; I will call him. Eric! Eric!" cried Roland in a loud
voice.

The figure did not turn, however, but kept on, and presently
disappeared among the shrubbery.

Roland and Manna found the Professorin waiting for them upon the steps,
and Manna received a hearty welcome.

"He gave me no peace till I consen