"Not so very reasonable, after all, if it is reasonable only to wish what we can attain." "Then it would be unreasonable to wish for some refreshments now, as that does not seem attainable," said Melitta, in a playfully complaining tone. "But do we not often obtain something from Fate, merely because we wish for it most ardently, almost impertinently? Fate grants us our wish, as a mother often does the piece of cake to the importunate child, only to get rid of us." "Fate is no capricious lady, but a hard, stony-hearted god, and if we want anything of him we must be firm." "That may be so with you men, and perhaps it is well it should be so, else you would be too overbearing. But we women--what on earth would become of us if we had to be firm like that when we want a little happiness? We rather go to work and beg and pray, and when we are just about to give up all hope and to despair of all happiness--why, just then--you see, there comes Baumann, and with him a prospect that we may get some refreshments." The door opened, and the form of a tall, thin man appeared on the threshold. He had quite a martial air with his old wrinkled face and bushy eyebrows; a deep scar ran across the bald forehead, past the left eye, and down the whole cheek, and his mouth was shaded by a heavy iron-gray mustache. "Madam," he said, in a voice which seemed to rise from a deep cavern. "Ah, Baumann, is everybody out?" "Yes, ma'am!" "But I did not say they might go out. Where is mam'selle?" "In Fashwitz, ma'am." "And John?" "Gone to see the forester." "And the maids?" "In the village." "My good Baumann, we should like to have some supper." "Yes, ma'am." "Can you get us some?" "Hardly!" "Or can you find the key to the pantry?" "Will hardly be possible." "My dear Baumann, you must really see what can be done." "Yes, ma'am." Thereupon the strange fellow turned on his heels and marched out again. "Well, what do you think of my _maître d'hôtel_?" "I think the man is a great original; but why did he look at me all the time, with his big bright eyes?" Melitta laughed.