Speaking had tired him. "Farewell, then, till morning," said Anton. As he rose he heard the rustle of ladies' dresses, and Bernhard's mother and sister approached the bed and greeted the visitor. "How are you, Bernhard?" asked his mother; "you will be all alone with your father this evening. There is a great musical meeting, and Rosalie is to play. We have moved the piano into the back room, Mr. Wohlfart, that Bernhard may not be disturbed by Rosalie's practicing." "Sit down for a moment beside me, mother," said Bernhard; "it is long since I have seen you handsomely dressed. You look beautiful to-day; you had just such a gown as this when I, as a boy, took scarlet fever. When I dream of you I always see you in a scarlet dress. Give me your hand, mother; and while you listen to the music this evening, think, too, of your Bernhard, who will be making silent melody here." His mother sat down beside him. "He is feverish again," said she to Anton, who silently assented. "To-morrow I shall go out into the sunshine," cried Bernhard, in an excited tone; "that will be my enjoyment." "The carriage waits," said Rosalie, remindingly; "and we have to go out the back way, which is dirty. Itzig has persuaded my father that the carriage must not drive round to the front for fear of disturbing Bernhard." "Good-night, Bernhard," said his mother, once more reaching out her plump hand. The ladies hurried away. Anton followed them. "What do you think of Bernhard?" asked the mother, as they went down stairs. "I consider him very ill," Anton replied. "I have already told my husband that, when summer comes, and I go with Rosalie to the Baths, we will take Bernhard with us." Anton went home with a heavy heart.