"A riddle, Miss Han--"

"No, positively no! This is not the proper time to bring me things to
guess."

The voice was very firm, almost severe, but Hunne had Jule to back him, so
he was full of courage, and he kept repeating;

"Jule told me to."

"Well, say it then quickly," said the governess, relenting a little.

And Hunne repeated the riddle very slowly but correctly.

Now Miss Hanenwinkel was a native of Bremen, and therefore very quick at
repartee, and she never hesitated for an answer. She seated herself
directly at a table, and dashed off the following in reply:

"In the long hot hours that mark my first,
My whole my second did invite
Together gaily to unite.
When the ripe nuts their coverings burst,
They did the work--he ate his share,
Then tossed the nut-shells everywhere."

"There, take this back to Mr. Julius," she said, handing the paper to
Hunne, "and tell him that as he made such a fine charade on my name, I do
not wish to be behind-hand with him. Now, after this, stay away, little
one, for we have our examples to do, and we cannot be interrupted again."