Frau Elsbeth smiled. "Hush, children," she said, "an angel has been with
us."

The two little boys opened anxious eyes, and asked,

"Mamma, an angel?"




CHAPTER II.

So Mrs. Douglas became Paul's godmother.

Meyerhofer, indeed, was not a little indignant at the new friendship, for
"I don't want the pity of happy people," he often used to say; but when the
mild, gentle woman appeared in the manor-house for the second time, and
tried to persuade him, he did not dare to say "No" any longer.

He also gave his consent to their prolonged stay in the old home, though
he did it with repugnance. The farm Mussainen, which in fact he had bought
that same day, was in so desolate a condition that it seemed dangerous for
wife and children to stay there in the cold autumn days. Above all, the
most needful repairs had to be made. Carpenter, mason, and builder had to
be fetched ere it was possible to think of moving.

Nevertheless, Frau Elsbeth, through her husband's obstinacy, was forced to
move into the new dwelling long before the arrangements were finished. One
day when an inspector from the new master appeared with a number of
workmen and asked for shelter in his name, he declared this proceeding to