Bertha could not guess what he meant by the expression "all over"; whether he was referring to his own life, to his wife's youthfulness, or to something else. In any case, she was sorry that she had called that day; a feeling of shame at being so strong and well herself came over her. "Did I tell you," continued Rupius, "that it was Anna who got these portfolios for me? It was a chance bargain, for the work is usually very expensive. A bookseller had advertised it and Anna telegraphed at once to her brother to procure it for us. You know, of course, that we have many relations in Vienna, both Anna and myself. Sometimes, too, she goes there to visit them. Soon after they pay us a return visit. I should be very glad indeed to see them again, especially Anna's brother and his wife, I owe them a great deal of gratitude. When Anna is in Vienna, she dines and sleeps at their house--but, of course, you already know all that, Frau Bertha." He spoke rapidly and, at the same time, in a cool, businesslike tone. It sounded as though he had made up his mind to tell the same things to every one who should enter the room that day. It was the first time that he had as much as spoken to Bertha of the journeys of his wife to Vienna. "She is going again to-morrow," he continued; "I believe the matter in hand this time is her summer costume." "I think that is a very clever notion of your wife," said Bertha, glad to have found an opening for conversation. "It is cheaper, at the same time," added Herr Rupius. "Yes, I assure you it is cheaper even if you throw in the cost of the journey. Why don't you follow my wife's example?" "In that way, Herr Rupius?" "Why, in regard to your frocks and hats! You are young and pretty, too!" "Heavens above! On whose account should I dress smartly?" "On whose account! On whose account is it that my wife dresses so smartly?" The door opened and Frau Rupius entered in a bright spring costume, a red sunshade in her hand and a white straw hat, trimmed with red ribbon, on her dark hair, which was dressed high. A pleasant smile was hovering around her lips, as usual, and she greeted Bertha with a quiet cheerfulness. "Are you making an appearance in our house once more?" she said, handing her sunshade and hat to the maid, who had followed her into the room. "Are you also interested in pictures, Frau Garlan?" She went up close behind her husband and softly passed her hand over his forehead and hair. "I was just telling Frau Garlan," said Rupius, "how surprised I am that she never goes to Vienna." "Indeed," Frau Rupius put in; "why don't you do so? Moreover, you must certainly have some acquaintances there, too. Come with me one day--to-morrow, for example. Yes, to-morrow." Rupius gazed straight before him while his wife said this, as though he did not dare to look at her. "You are really very kind, Frau Rupius," said Bertha, feeling as though a perfect stream of joy was coursing through her being.