thing: I have spoken to my husband, and beg you, in my name and his, to
look on this house as your property for as long as ever it pleases you. We
generally pass the winter in town, and we have another estate besides which
we intend to let an inspector manage. You see, therefore, that you do not
in any way disturb us, but, on the contrary, do us a favor if you will stay
on here as before for another half year or longer."

Frau Elsbeth did not thank her, but the tearful glance she gave the
stranger was thanks enough.

"Now be cheerful again, dearest Mrs. Meyerhofer," she continued, "and if
in future you need advice or help, always remember that there is some one
who has to make amends to you for much--And what a splendid baby!"--she
turned towards the cradle--"a boy or a little girl?"

"A boy," said Frau Elsbeth, with a feeble smile.

"Has he found any brothers or sisters already? But why do I ask? The two
little stalwart fellows outside, who received my carriage--may I hope to
know them better? No, not here," she interposed, quickly; "it might excite
you still more. Later on, later on. This little citizen of the world
interests us most for the moment."

She bent over the cradle and arranged the baby-clothes.

"He has quite a knowing little face," she said, jestingly.

"Care stood at his cradle," answered Frau Elsbeth, gently and sadly;
"that's why he has that old face."