respect to the lady; but finding that she continued silent, it at last
dawned upon his mind that his absence was desirable. So he came forward
with awkward courtesy, saying:

"Hannah, I think the lady would like to be alone with you; so I will bid
you good-day, and come again to-morrow."

"Very well, Reuben," was all that the woman could answer in the presence
of a third person.

And after shaking Hannah's hand, and pulling his forelock to the
visitor, the man went away.

As soon as he was clearly gone the countess turned to the weaver and
said:

"Hannah--your name is Hannah, I think?"

"Yes, madam."

"Well, Hannah, I have come to thank you for your tender care of my son,
and to relieve you of him!" said the countess.

"Madam!" exclaimed the amazed woman, staring point-blank at the visitor.

"Why, what is the matter, girl? What have I said that you should glare
at me in that way?" petulantly demanded the lady.

"Madam, you astonish me! Your son is not here. I know nothing about your
son; not even that you had a son," replied Hannah.