Everything, then, is lost!"

Agnes was frightfully excited. Her cheeks were dark red and her eyes
seemed to shoot forth flashes of lightning.

"But, child, you must not speak this way. Do not get so terribly
excited," the mother calmly admonished her. "There is no time now to
discuss a subject which we have to talk over quietly. We shall do so
to-night. You know perfectly well that I have the greatest sympathy
for your wishes and ambitions, and that it means as much to me as to
you. As soon as we have a quiet hour together we can talk it all over."

These words quieted the child. She knew that her mother always shared
every experience with them. In coming to town, mother and daughter had
hoped to be able to carry out their most fervent wish, namely, the
completion of Agnes' musical education. Agnes could count on her
mother's help. It was for the happiness of both of them. So Agnes went
out to the kitchen to do her work as usual. Both the sisters always
helped to lighten their mother's work, for their only servant was quite
a young girl, who did not do much besides run errands.

Mux went back to his former place. He was intensely pleased with the
great effect and excitement his words had produced on Agnes. Hearing
somebody else coming upstairs, he prepared to repeat his speech.

When Nika was near enough to hear him he said: "A fat gentleman has
been here, and when he was gone mother said: 'Oh God!' and you are not
to paint any more trees and flowers."

Nika, not having seen Mr. Schaller, did not understand these words.