"You told us so in your last letter, Charles," observed Millicent; and then I was entreated to relate the whole story of my first introduction to Cecilia, and of the Volkslied, to which I had only alluded,--for indeed it was not a thing to write about, though of it I have sadly written! I was in the heart of my narration, in the middle of the benches, and, no doubt, making a great noise, when Davy, who was in front, where he could see the door, motioned me to silence; I very well knew why, and obeyed him with the best possible grace. As soon as I decently could, I turned and ran to meet the Chevalier, who was advancing almost timidly, holding little Starwood in his hand. The instant Starwood saw me coming, he left his hold and flew into my arms; in spite of my whispered remonstrances, he _would_ cling to my neck so fast that I had to present the Chevalier while his arms were entwined about me. But no circumstance could interfere with even the slightest effect _he_ was destined to produce. Standing before Davy, with his little hands folded and his whole face grave, though his eyes sparkled, he said, "Will you come to my birthday-feast, kind friends? For we cannot be strangers with this Carl between us. My birthday is next week, and as I am growing a man, I wish to make the most of it." "How old, sir, shall you be on your birthday?" I asked, I fear rather impertinently, but because I could not help it. "Ten, Carlomein." "Oh, sir!" we all laughed, Millicent most of all. He looked at her. "You are a bride, madam, and can readily understand my feelings when I say it is rather discomposing to step into a new state. Having been a child so long, I feel it soon becoming a man; but in your case the trial is even more obvious." Millicent now blushed with all her might, as well as laughed, Davy, to relieve her embarrassment taking up the parable. "And when, sir, and where, will it be our happiness to attend you?" "At the Glückhaus, not four miles off. It is a queer place which I bought, because it suited me better than many a new one, for it is very old; but I have dressed it in new clothes. I shall hope to make Charles at home some time or other before we welcome you, that he may make you, too, feel at home." "It would be difficult, sir, to feel otherwise in your society," said Davy, with all his countenance on flame. "I hope we shall find it so together, and that this is only the beginning of our friendship." He held out his hand to Millicent, and then to Davy, with the most perfect adaptation to an English custom considered uncouth in Germany; Millicent looking as excited as if she were doing her part of the nuptial ceremony over again. Meantime, for I knew we must part, I whispered to Starwood,--"So you are happy enough, Star, I should suppose?" "Oh, Charles! too happy. My master was very angry, at first, that the Chevalier carried me away." "He carried you away, then? I thought as much. And so Aronach was angry?"