ourselves.''

At this Heilig came forward again, pale and sad, but calm. ``No,
Mr. Brauner-- she is not engaged. I'm sure she loves this
gentleman, and I want her to be happy. I can not be anything to
her but her friend. And I want you to give him a chance to show
himself worthy of her.''

Brauner burst out furiously at Hilda. The very presence of this
gaudy, useless-looking creature under his roof was an insult to
his three gods of honor and happiness-- his ``Arbeit und Liebe
und Heim.''

``What does this mean?'' he shouted.

``Where did you find this crazy fellow? Who brought him here?''

Hilda flared. ``I love him, father! He's a noble, good man. I
shall always love him. Listen to Otto--it'll break my heart if
you frown on my marrying the man I love.'' There was a touch of
Mr. Feuerstein in her words and tone.

``Let's have our game, Mr. Brauner,'' interrupted Otto. ``All
this can be settled afterward. Why spoil our afternoon?''

Brauner examined Mr. Feuerstein, who was posing as a statue of
gloomy wrath.

``Who are you?'' he demanded in the insulting tone which exactly
expressed his state of mind.