What different hours are kept in Germany; what different hearts cull the honey of the hours! Our dining-hall was full; there was a great din. Our garden-house was swept and garnished as I remembered it the day I came with one, but not quite so enticing in its provisions,--that is to say, there were no strawberries, which had been so interesting to me on the first occasion. I retreated to the library. No one was there. I might not go among the girls, whose establishment was apart, but I knew I should meet them before we had to take our places; and off I scampered to Franz's observatory. Will it be believed?--he was still at work, those brass lips embracing his, already dressed, his white gloves lying on his monster's cradle. "My dear Delemann," I exclaimed, "for pity's sake, put that down now!" "My dear Carl, how shall I feel when that moment comes?" pointing to the up-beat of bar 109, where he first came in upon the field of the score. "I don't think you will feel different if you practise half an hour more, any how." "Yes, I shall; I want rubbing up. Besides, I have been here since six." "Oh, Delemann, you are a good boy! But I don't feel nervous at all." "You, Carl! No, I should think not. You will have no more responsibility than the hand of a watch, with that Anastase for the spring,--works, too, that never want winding up, and that were bought ready made by our patroness." "Dear Franz, do come; I am dying to see the hall." "I don't think it is done. Fräulein Cerinthia went out to get some white roses for a purpose she held secret. The boughs are all up, though." "My dear Franz, you are very matter of fact." "No, I am not, Carl; the tears ran down my face at rehearsal." "That was because I made a mouth at you, which you wanted to laugh at, and dared not." "Well," said Franz, mock mournfully, "I can do nothing with you here, so come." He rolled up his monster and took up his gloves. I had a pair of Millicent's in my pocket.