transformed. "My, this means something for me. Why,
here is a creature that can endure me, that looks at me like a friend
and lays its head on my knees. My, it has been a long time since
anything like that has happened to me. Well, old boy, what's your
name? My, but you are a splendid fellow!"

"Rollo," said Effi.

"Rollo; that is strange. But the name makes no difference. I have a
strange name, too, that is, forename. And the likes of me have no
other, you know."

"What is your name?"

"I am called Roswitha."

"Yes, that is strange; why, that is--"

"Yes, quite right, your Ladyship, it is a Catholic name. And that is
another trouble, that I am a Catholic. From Eichsfeld. Being a
Catholic makes it harder and more disagreeable for me. Many won't have
Catholics, because they run to the church so much. * * *"

"Roswitha," said Effi, sitting down by her on the bench. "What are you
going to do now?"

"Ah, your Ladyship, what could I be going to do? Nothing. Honestly and
truly, I should like to sit here and wait till I fall over dead. * *
*"

"I want to ask you something, Roswitha. Are you fond of children? Have
you ever taken care of little children?"

"Indeed I have. That is the best and finest thing about me. * * * When
a dear little thing stands up in one's lap, a darling little creature
like a doll, and looks at one with its little peepers, that, I tell
you, is something that opens up one's heart. * * *"

"Now let me tell you, Roswitha, you are a good true person; I can
tell it by your looks. A little bit unceremonious, but that doesn't
hurt; it is often true of the best people, and I have had confidence
in you from the beginning. Will you come along to my house? It seems
as though God had sent you to me. I am expecting a little one soon,
and may God help me at the time. When the child comes it must be cared
for and waited upon and perhaps even fed from a bottle, though I hope
not. But one can never tell. What do you say? Will you come?"

Roswitha sprang up, seized the hand of the young wife and kissed it
fervently. "Oh, there is indeed a God in heaven, and when our need is
greatest help is nearest. Your Ladyship shall see, I can do it. I am
an orderly person and have good references. You can see for yourself
when I bring you my book. The very first time I saw your Ladyship I
thought: 'Oh, if I only had such a mistress!' And now I am to have
her. O, dear God, O, holy Virgin Mary, who would have thought i