rs of the vine-blossoms.

Madame Siegwart was just returning home from Salingen between her two
children. Henry, a youth of seventeen and the future proprietor of the
property, had the same manners as his father. He walked leisurely on
the road-side, examining the blooming wheat and ripening corn. When he
discovered nests of vine weevils, he plucked them off and crushed the
eggs of the hated enemies of all wine-growers. Angela remained
constantly at her mother's side, and as she accidentally raised her
eyes to where Richard stood, he made a movement as though he was caught
disadvantageously.

A short distance behind them came Siegwart, surrounded by some men.
They often stopped and talked in a lively manner. Frank thought that
these men were also invited, and hoped to become acquainted with the
_elite_ of Salingen. He was, however, disappointed; for a short
distance from Siegwart's house the men turned back to Salingen. They
had only accompanied the proprietor part of the way. The servants of
Siegwart also came hastening along the road, first the men-servants,
and some distance behind them the maid-servants. Frank had observed
this separation before, and thought it must be in consequence of the
strict orders of the master. Frank considered this narrow-minded, and
thought of finding fault with it, in true modern spirit. But then he
considered the results of his observations, which had extended to the
servants. He often admired the industry and regular conduct of these
people. He never heard any oath or rough expressions of passion; every
one knew his work, and performed it with care and attention. He
observed this regular order with admiration, particularly when he
thought of the disobedience, dissatisfaction, and untrustworthiness of
the generality of servants. Siegwart must possess a great secret to
keep these people in agreement and order; therefore he rejected his
former opinion of narrow-mindedness, and believed the proprietor must
have good reason for this separation of the sexes.

Frank remained for a time under the shadow of an oak, looked at his
watch, and finally descended the shortest way. He was expected by
Siegwart, and immediately conducted to the large room. The arrangement
of the room showed at a glance its use. There was a small altar at one
side, and religious pictures hung on the walls. There was also a
harmonium, and on the windows hung curtains on which were painted
scenes from sacred history. In