As he alighted, he perceived Ricardo at a little distance, coming towards him. The man’s aspect was most lugubrious. His head was sunk upon his breast. His eyes were cast upon the ground--his hands hung listlessly by his side. He came close to Von Steinberg without seeing him, and when he did see him, he started, as if he were the last person he had dreamt of encountering. “Good Heavens! Von Steinberg!” he exclaimed; “where have you sprung from? Hannah told me but just now that you were leaving Town for the day.” Karl von Steinberg stopped one moment to consider why Hannah should have taken the trouble to tell a falsehood, but recovering himself replied, “Ah! I was thinking of doing so, but changed my mind! She has forgotten that I also said, that if circumstances permitted of my remaining in London, I should run over to give her a little lesson in polite conversation. Your wife is eminently teachable, Ricardo! It is a real pleasure to me to help her a little on her way.” “For my part, I think you had better let her alone,” returned the Professor, gruffly, “I don’t see that polite education improves her.” “My dear Ricardo, what is the matter? Have I offended you in any way? Pray tell me at once, if it is so!” “Since you demand it, I will. I must beg that you will not ask Hannah to your house again, for whatever purpose. It does her no good, but only inflates her foolish head with an idea of importance, which she does not possess, and introduces her to society in which she can never hope to mix. “Besides, Von Steinberg, my means will not admit of buying her dresses, and paying for her cabs--and when I mention the subject, however gently, she insults me to my face. No! no! it was with much reluctance that I gave my permission for her to attend your party last night, but it must be for the last time--the very last time!” “I am sorry to hear you say that,” replied Von Steinberg, gravely, “and still more that Hannah should appear ungrateful for your indulgence.” “But it is ridiculous--absurd--” exclaimed Ricardo, passionately, “that she should pass the evening with such people as you gather round you. Remember what she was--a common scullery maid! She can only bring disgrace on you and me and herself!” “But you are really mistaken,” said the Baron. “I acknowledge that Hannah is uneducated, but she has much shrewdness, and knows when to hold her tongue. She behaved admirably last evening, and my friends were delighted with her--so much so, that had I not interfered, she would have been overwhelmed with invitations to their houses.” “Only to save themselves money,” sneered Ricardo, “to procure her services for nothing! She is a curiosity--a new toy--nothing more!” “I don’t think you quite do justice to Hannah,” observed Von Steinberg, “she is more than a mere machine! She is naturally clever, and can be very amusing and original. And she really looked superb! I was quite astonished at her appearance!”