ted to come to you," said Manna.

"So he makes you mind like the rest of us, does he?" said the lady with
mock severity. "Let me tell you, my dear child, that I know this wild
boy has said a great deal to you about me, and would like to force you
to love me; but even the best intentioned urgency in such matters
should be avoided. Glad as I shall be if we can be good friends, we yet
will not be forced upon each other."

Manna looked in amazement on the Mother, who asked a great many
questions about the convent, and advised her to remain much alone, as
the sudden change from a life of seclusion to one of excitement might
injure her habits of thought, as well as her health.

Manna felt herself cheered by intercourse with this quiet, composed,
harmonious nature; only the room looked strange to her with no images
of saints about. Her attention was attracted by the sewing-machine, and
the Mother had readily consented to instruct her in the use of it when
Aunt Claudine entered, whose dignified bearing interested Manna even
more than the Mother had done.

"You and Aunt Claudine," exclaimed Roland, "have two things in common.
She is a star gazer like you, and plays the harp as you do."

Aunt Claudine did not require much urging, but willingly played Manna a
piece on the harp.

"I shall be very grateful if you will accept me as a pupil," said Manna
offering her hand; and the beautiful nervous hand which grasped hers
gave her more pleasure by its touch, than she had found in the soft
little plump one of the Professorin.

When it grew evening, the Mother and Aunt set out with Roland and Manna
towards the villa, Manna walking with the Aunt, and Roland with the
Professorin. On the way Eric met them.

"At last!" cried Roland. "Now, Manna, here he is; here you have him."

Manna and Eric exchanged formal bows.

"Why don't you speak? Have you both lost your tongue? Eric, this is my
sister Manna; Manna, this is my friend, my brother, my Eric."

"Don't be excited, Roland," said Eric, and there was a ringing tone in
his voice that made Manna involuntarily raise her eyes to him. "Yes,
Fraeulein, this is the second time I have met you in the twilight."

Manna almost began to say that she had seen him once in broad daylight,
when she had not spoken to him, but had heard inspiring notes from him;
but she checked herself and pressed her lips together. Roland broke the
pause that ensued, by saying urgently:--

"Come into the house