"I thank you; the double memory makes it very precious," she said, and closed the case. As she did so, Otto approached her. "At last, Fräulein Johanna," he said, and held out his hand. "How glad I am to see you again!" "Fräulein!" cried the Freiherr. "Boy, what do you mean? You should call the daughter of your father's sister 'Johanna.'" "Most gladly if I may. Will you allow it, dear Johanna?" said Otto, bestowing upon her a cousinly kiss. Blushing, she released herself from him, as he looked into her eyes with a glance of momentary triumph. "To our friendship," he said, gravely, and then the children came rushing up and separated them. A telegram was handed to the Freiherr; he read it with a lowering brow. "How unfortunate!" he cried. "Waldemar tells me that important business will not allow of his being with us before New Year's day. This Christmas it vexes me particularly." "I am delighted," Magelone whispered to Johanna. "It is a respite, at least for me. The betrothal of the future head of the family cannot possibly be announced unless all its august members are present." Johanna looked at her and shook her head. "That betrothal will never take place," she said; "Otto will not allow it." "Otto! What do you mean?" asked Magelone. "You have hardly seen us together." "Long enough to see how he adores you." "Mere gallantry, child; nothing more," said Magelone. "Remember, pray, he has debts, I have nothing, and we are sensible people." And she fluttered away to her presents, where the next instant Otto joined her. "May I take you in to dinner?" he asked. "That is at present Johann Leopold's privilege, or task. As which do you think he regards it?" "Can you ask?" said Otto. "He is pursuing you with the glare of a veritable Othello!" "How romantic! I see only his usually melancholy sheep's-eyes," said Magelone. "He stares at me, but it is a question whether he sees me. Others, on the contrary, see too much; discover that we, that is, you and I, are flirting with each other." "Flirting!" he interrupted her. "How can my serious devotion----" "Oh, hush!" she cried. "You know grandpapa's plans. Johann Leopold's future betrothed must listen to nothing of that kind. You ought to court Johanna." "It pleases my sovereign to jest," said Otto, bending over her with a smile. "Not at all," she rejoined. "I am rather laying my commands upon my slave to turn his talent to account." He bowed again. "The command shall be obeyed," he said. "Moreover, obedience will not be difficult. Cousin Johanna has improved wonderfully in appearance." Magelone glanced hastily towards Johanna. "You are right: she has gained life and colour;" and she added, mentally, "Is he trying to make me jealous? He shall not succeed."