"Fraulein," said the little German girl, gravely, "I do not think the
lady who came this morning would bring you any ill fortune, for she
spoke with such gentleness when she asked about you."

"When she asked about me? What was she like, then, this black
messenger?"

"How could I see, Fraulein?--her veil was so thick. But her hair was
gray; I could see that. And she had a beautiful figure--not quite as
tall as you, Fraulein; I watched her as she went away."

"I am not sure that it is safe, Anneli, to watch the people whom Santa
Claus sends," the young mistress said, lightly. "However, you have not
told me what the strange lady said to you."

"That will I now tell you, Fraulein," said the other, with an air of
importance. "Well, when I heard the knock at the door, I went instantly;
I thought it was strange to hear a knock so early, instead of the bell.
Then there was the lady; and she did not ask who lived there, but she
said, 'Miss Lind is not up yet? But then, Fraulein, you must
understand, she did not speak like that, for it was in English, and she
spoke very slowly, as if it was with difficulty. I would have said,
'Will the _gnadige Frau_ be pleased to speak German?' but I was afraid
it might be impertinent for a maid-servant to address a lady so.
Besides, Fraulein, she might have been a French lady, and not able to
understand our German."

"Quite so, Anneli. Well?"