's story, and bring it out in the
market-place; but that he himself had not favored it, and they were
going to represent a nobility-mill instead. Commoners in front were to
be thrust in above, and noblemen with weapons and shields were to come
out below, on the back side.

He begged Eric to be present at the carnival performance next day; but
Eric was not in the mood.

CHAPTER XI.

A FULL HOUSE AND FULL DAYS.

On the following day came the Major, and Fraeulein Milch, and Lina with
her betrothed.

It was settled, that, if the snow remained, they were all to have a
sleigh-ride to Mattenheim; for they wished to say good-by to Prince
Valerian, who was soon to return home.

It was a day of domestic happiness and cheer.

Manna said repeatedly, that she had often wondered why they should have
imposed this separation upon themselves; but she now understood that it
was better so.

Fortune smiled upon them. They went to Mattenheim in several large
sleighs; and, on their arrival, Knopf took his young friend, Roland,
aside, and gave him a private letter from Lilian.

No one else knew why Roland was so extravagantly gay; but Knopf smiled
quietly to himself.

Manna and the Professorin were cordially received by Frau Weidmann and
her daughters-in-law. It refreshed the heart to see how full and rich
at every stage of existence was the home-life at Mattenheim.

While Lina expressed her especial satisfaction in the fact, that here
at Mattenheim one had five good meals a day, and insisted upon it that
love sharpened the appetite, the ladies from Villa Eden thoroughly
enjoyed a glimpse into Frau Weidmann's housekeeping arrangements.

The Professorin had known her in her early years, and remembered what a
fine appearance had been made by this tall lady, who now always wore a
huge pair of spectacles. She, Manna, and Aunt Claudine, were moved to
reflection and self-examination, as they beheld the woman's active
life. All her household were busily employed, and yet it was perfectly
quiet and orderly; and Frau Weidmann discharged her round of duties
without tormenting herself by needless anxiety. She was proud to show
the ladies her whole house, and particularly her great preserve-jars,
containing provision not only for the various branches of her own
family, but for the poor who have no forethought. She frankly
complained that she had not time enough for self-culture, b