“Yes,” said the count, smiling; “I will, as you say, ‘dop’ your mamma and auntie, if they wish. You will never lose any of your friends; but I should want you, by-and-by, to go abroad and attend school. You will be called Minnie von Frauenstein, and you can come home every year.” “Oh, sir,” said Susie, “how _can_ you be in earnest? How can such a blessed good fortune be in store for poor Susie’s child? I never dreamed of her going from me yet for some years, and I did not know how much pain the very thought could give me; but I can forget myself entirely for her good. We are getting on well with our business, and I think we could provide very well for her; but under your protection her advantages would be greater than we could ever hope to give her.” And after a pause, Susie rose and gave her hand to the count, saying, with great emotion, “It shall be as you desire. I cannot thank you for the honor you do me and my child—words fail me utterly.” The count said, “You show the true feeling of the mother. Nothing shall be abrupt. You have ample time to think it all over, and to change your mind, if you wish. In a month we will consider the matter fully, and make our final decision.” To see so brilliant a future opened before the darling who had been unwelcome in this world, and regarded in the eyes of all, except her little circle of friends, as a child of shame and disgrace, no wonder that Susie was overcome with her emotions. “Think, Clara,” she said, throwing her arms around her friend, “think what you have done, you and your noble father, for Susie! But for you, I might have been struggling to gain bread for myself and Minnie, in the kitchen of some of these women here who turn their eyes when I pass them in the street. I can think of no harder fate than that.” “Oh, you would have risen even without us, dear. Your heart of gold was sure to be recognized, sooner or later.” Susie’s tears could not be controlled, and apologizing for her weakness, she pressed the count’s hand again and left the room. Minnie went with her, not exactly understanding why her mother cried so. Pretty soon she came back, and climbing up in the count’s arms, said, “I thought dear mamma was unhappy, Paul; but she says she cried only ’cause she is so happy; and she kissed me and kissed me and kissed me. I’ll give you just one of them;” and taking his head between her hands, as she knelt on his lap, she kissed it pretty much all over, ending with the lips. “Mercy! Do you call that _one_, Min?” asked Clara. Min laughed, and asked Paul if he liked kisses. “That is a leading question, mademoiselle;” but seeing she would have an answer, he said, “I know of but one thing sweeter than a little girl’s kisses.” “What is sweeter?” “Why, a lady’s kisses.” “Are they, Paul?” “That is my opinion.” “Well, that isn’t _my_ ’pinion.”