She stood motionless, and, as far as he could make out on approaching
nearer, with her face turned in his direction, as if she was expecting
some one.

He thought it was Elisabeth. But when he quickened his pace in order
that he might catch up to her and then return together with her
through the garden into the house, she turned slowly away and
disappeared among the dark side-paths.

He could not understand it; he was almost angry with Elisabeth, and
yet he doubted whether it had really been she. He was, however, shy of
questioning her about it--nay, he even avoided going into the garden-
room on his return to the house for fear he should happen to see
Elisabeth enter through the garden-door.

* * * * *




BY MY MOTHER'S HARD DECREE



Some days later, as evening was already closing in, the family was, as
usual at this time of the day, sitting all together in their garden-
room. The doors stood wide open, and the sun had already sunk behind
the woods on the far side of the lake.

Reinhard was invited to read some folk-songs which had been sent to