"Ach Gott! What is ut?" cried Mrs. Sieppe, misunderstanding, supposing a
calamity.

"What--what--what," stammered the dentist, confused by the lights, the
crowded stairway, the medley of voices. The party reached the landing.
The others surrounded them. Marcus alone seemed to rise to the occasion.

"Le' me be the first to congratulate you," he cried, catching Trina's
hand. Every one was talking at once.

"Miss Sieppe, Miss Sieppe, your ticket has won five thousand dollars,"
cried Maria. "Don't you remember the lottery ticket I sold you in Doctor
McTeague's office?"

"Trina!" almost screamed her mother. "Five tausend thalers! five tausend
thalers! If popper were only here!"

"What is it--what is it?" exclaimed McTeague, rolling his eyes.

"What are you going to do with it, Trina?" inquired Marcus.

"You're a rich woman, my dear," said Miss Baker, her little false curls
quivering with excitement, "and I'm glad for your sake. Let me kiss you.
To think I was in the room when you bought the ticket!"

"Oh, oh!" interrupted Trina, shaking her head, "there is a mistake.
There must be. Why--why should I win five thousand dollars? It's
nonsense!"