Lilly laughed gaily in his face, and he laughed with her, putting his arms akimbo and emitting a thin, soft giggle in an almost inaudible treble, which nevertheless convulsed his too spare figure with hilarious merriment. They sat down opposite each other, like two good comrades, on either side of the counter; and Lilly devoutly wished this hour could last for ever. When a maid-servant came in to change a novel for her mistress, he settled himself for a stay by examining the titles of the books and acting as if he were perfectly at home. He held open the door for the little maid-servant when she went out, as if she were a duchess. Lilly grew more and more amused, and couldn't restrain her laughter. "Before another subscriber comes in, you must go," she said, "or people will talk." "Why? let them talk!" But Lilly was firm, and he began to plead earnestly with her. "You know, gracious Fraeulein, I enjoy the reputation of having no moral sense whatever. I want you to be my support and anchor through life, at any rate till the door opens next time. While I sit here I am safe from playing the fool, and this fact I am sure must be cheering to your benevolent heart." So it was agreed that he might stay till the bell went again. He sat back comfortably in his chair, and regarded Lilly with an air of possession. "All earthly troubles can be traced to talking too much," he began. "If Columbus had kept the secret of the discovery of America to himself, no unpleasantness would have arisen. I intend to be cleverer, and to keep my discovery a sacred family secret between you and me. It would be nuts to other fellows. But let them stick to twilight moths, like the two future art-shop proprietresses to whom I am indebted for my budding friendship with you." The sisters had been forgotten by Lilly. It was about their time for coming in. What if they were to open the door at this minute! The bell tinkled. It was not they, however, but an old maid who devoured every day a volume full of strong "love interest," and came in the evening for more. The volatile lieutenant remembered his compact. He started up from his seat and composed himself to speak with a business-like air: "Will you kindly let me have the last new book of----" he hesitated, evidently at a loss to think of the name of a popular German author; then, after racking his brain a moment, he added, "by Gerstaecker?" Lilly fetched him this newest of new novels, bearing the date 1849, and he counted out his three marks deposit, made an exaggerated bow, and took his leave with little devils dancing between his light lashes. A little later the sisters came in. They glanced suspiciously at Lilly's flushed cheeks, and passed on without saying anything.