presently she laughed again as if at some dear memory. It was so good
to be among the old loved things, the straggling streets and shabby
houses, the buttercups and dandelions, and the friends of other days.
It was good, and out loud she said again: "I am so glad."

"Your bath, mein Fraulein."

She got up; the soft gown falling from bare shoulders stirred in the
light breeze. She pulled the ribbons from the long braids of hair, and
coiled them round her head, but she did not leave the window.

"All right, I'll be there in a minute." Then: "Hedwig?"

"Yes, mein Fraulein."

"Do you think I could have the day to myself? I have something
important to do, and I can't do it if constantly interrupted. If any
one comes, could you keep me from knowing it?"

"I think so, mein Fraulein."

The shadow of a smile hovered a moment on Hedwig's lips. "Does that
mean all and everybody, or--"

"Everybody! Of course not Miss Gibbie, but everybody else. I shall not
be at home, you see. I will be down in the orchard, and if Miss Gibbie
comes bring her there, but never, never let any one else come there,
Hedwig."

"I understand, mein Fraulein."