sed that Bella had taken no wardrobe with her.

"I fancy she will assume man's attire, and she will look remarkably
well in it."

Frau Lay-Figure rolled her eyes about the circle after this audacious
remark; but she encountered no glance. The eyes of all the ladies were
cast down.

The question was now asked, whether the Professorin had been invited.
The Justice's wife replied in the affirmative; and Frau Lay-Figure
began, that people said,--but they all knew no one had ever said it but
herself,--that the Professorin had managed very adroitly to oust
Pranken, and substitute her son. Before any one could reply, there was
a knock, and the Professorin entered. All rose; and Frau Lay-Figure,
who had ensconced herself in the harmless corner of the sofa, insisted
upon giving the Professorin her place.

With winning frankness, the lady remarked, that she had had a strong
desire to see something of her fellowmen once more, and could enter
most heartily into their simple and delightful mode of life. Amidst so
much confusion, one was apt to forget that there could be any thing
steadfast in the world.

Every one was struck with respectful surprise, Frau Lay-Figure most of
all.

Inquiries were made for Manna; and the Professorin said she had wished
to be remembered to them, and regretted that she could not come. A
genial feeling prevailed; and Lina did not wait to be entreated, but,
at the request of the Professorin, seated herself at the piano, and
sang. She felt that her music would refresh the good lady; and she sang
with her whole soul. She had never sung better. In the midst of her
performance. Manna appeared with Aunt Claudine in the adjoining room.
Both waited in silence till the song was ended.

Lina was overjoyed at Manna's arrival, and accosted her thus,--

"Forgive me for being so naughty! It has vexed me that my happy
betrothal-time should be spoiled by all this trouble; and now it is
just the same with you! I was thinking even now, as I sang, how I
wished I could give you some of my joy and forgetfulness and
hopefulness and all the rest."

The eyes of all were fixed upon Manna, whose appearance was totally
changed by her mourning dress. The Rhine Commissioner's wife observed
in a low tone, that she had never seen such dark eyes, or so broad and
fair a forehead. Manna was perfectly self-possessed, and bowed when
assailed on all sides with entreaties that she would continue to live
at the Villa, and not sell