What has happened to you?"

"To me? Oh! my husband was more cheerful than usual, and there was a
great deal to tell at dinner. I've only come to enquire for your health.
I will see you later. Now I must go with the children to a sorrowful
task."

"With the children? What have the little elf and Signor Salvatore to do
with sorrow?"

"Captain Allertssohn will be buried to-morrow, and we are going to make
some wreaths for the coffin."

"Make wreaths!" cried Henrica, "I can teach you that! There, Trautchen,
take the plate and call the little ones."

The servant went away, but Maria said anxiously: "You will exert yourself
too much again, Henrica."

"I? I shall be singing again to-morrow. My preserver's potion does
wonders, I assure you. Have you flowers and oak-leaves enough?"

"I should think so."

At the last words the door opened and Bessie cautiously entered the room,
walking on tiptoe as she had been told, went up to Henrica, received a
kiss from her, and then asked eagerly:

"Cousin Henrica, do you know? Junker Georg, with the blue feather, is
coming again to-morrow and will dine with us."