the man left the room, not attempting, after the manner of hosts in
general, to enter into conversation with his guests, or to ply them
with questions as to whence they came, whither they were going, etc.

The lady, a very remarkable-looking woman, was apparently the mother of
the three others, but seemed young to be the parent of the eldest, who
had evidently numbered thirty years.

The breakfast, which was excellent and well served, was quickly
disposed of; and dinner being ordered for two o'clock, the little party
left the house. On the street, the same stillness, the same absence of
people prevailed as elsewhere.

"Do you know the way to the Sisters' house, mother?" asked the young
man of the lady as they led the way, the two younger ones following
behind.

"Of course, Alexander," she replied. "I was here once, some years ago,
on a visit to President von Karsdorf, and I can perfectly remember how
full of interest the whole place was, and how pleased the Karsdorfs
were to think they could end their lives in this peaceful, quiet spot."

"Such extraordinary order and cleanliness seems almost like a matter of
pride and show on the part of these humble people--as if the inner
purity of their souls must needs be manifested in this extreme, outward
neatness," said the gentleman, laughing.

"You are prejudiced against the Moravian character, I know, and yet
there is so much that is good in them!" argued the lady.