"Yes, papa; is it not odious of Arno to be so unjust to Fraeulein Mueller, when she is so charming, so divinely beautiful, and so amiable?" "The child is all fire and flame!" Arno remarked. "Well, well, it is nothing to me; believe that your governess is an angel of light and a miracle of amiability if you choose, only do not require me to agree with you. Your enthusiasm lightens the duty with which my friend Styrum has charged me. I found a letter from him among my papers last night announcing his betrothal to his cousin, Adele von Guntram, and telling me that Fraeulein Mueller is his betrothed's most intimate friend. Here is his letter; read aloud to my father what he says of Fraeulein Mueller, Celia, if you like." This Celia did most willingly. As she returned it to Arno she said reproachfully to her brother, "You do not deserve the confidence, Arno, that Count Styrum reposes in your friendship. I cannot conceive how you can judge Fraeulein Mueller so harshly and unjustly after such a recommendation from your dearest friend." "Bah! his recommendation is utterly worthless; he sees with the fair Adele's eyes, and would recommend the devil's grandmother to us if his betrothed desired it. What I did promise him was that the lady shall be annoyed by no inquiries or allusions to her past. In this respect Karl's word is all-sufficient, for not even the entreaties of his betrothed could induce him to vouch for Fraeulein Mueller's purity of character if the slightest blame attached to her. I know my promise will be kept by all." "Most certainly it shall," the old Freiherr rejoined. "Styrum's word is quite enough for me; he is a man of honour, as was his father, once my intimate friend. I respect the young fellow, although I do not know him personally. You remember, Arno, how well he conducted himself upon a former occasion, with what tact and delicacy----" "Let the past be forgotten, father!" Arno interrupted him; and, turning to his sister, he added, "I hope you will be discreet, Celia, and not ask any idle questions of Fraeulein Mueller." "I am not curious, and I certainly will be careful," Celia replied, as she left the room. The Freiherr called after her, "Beg Fraeulein Mueller, if she is up, to take her breakfast here in the garden-room. I am expecting her." It was not long before his darling reappeared with the governess, whose cheerful good-morning the old man returned after his most genial fashion. Then, ringing the bell, he desired Franz to have Fraeulein Mueller's breakfast served immediately, and to roll his chair nearer to the table that he might take part in the conversation. This he found exceedingly entertaining. Whatever was the subject under discussion Fraeulein Mueller bore her part charmingly. The Baron found her possessed of a far higher degree of culture than he had thought possible in a woman, and he was specially pleased to find her at home in his beloved classical literature.