Hertha did not see the fair glossy beard, the erect figure, and graceful seat, or any of the things which maidens are accustomed to take notice of in their cavaliers. She was too overcome by a paralyzing fear and growing defiance of one who was to be a greater power than herself. He drew rein, and the tightly curbed horse shied at the wooden fence. "What have we got there?" he inquired, in a grim voice of command. Hertha began to tremble. Had his angry eyes discovered her behind the bushes? Was he going to treat her as a common trespasser on his property? But his question concerned the bailiff, who came riding to his side. "Bullocks--thirty-two head," he reported, with quite military precision. "How old?" "The youngest, one year; the oldest, a year and six months." "And they have been left out over-night on the marsh?" Schumann muttered a crushed "Yes." "Confounded mismanagement;" and he rode on. "He's right," thought Hertha; but she could no longer muster up a feeling of complete triumph. The breakfast-bell sounded, and, hesitatingly, she turned her steps towards the house. "Let what may happen," she said to herself, "he won't eat me." And so she entered the breakfast-room bravely and full of good intentions. A silent group was gathered there. He sat in the master's place with his head bowed in his hands, his morning paper spread out on the table. He was not reading it, but gazing before him, lost in thought. Elly, in white nainsook and blue ribbons (like a May Queen, thought Hertha, jealously), had folded her hands in her lap, and wore an indescribably dashed expression. Grandmamma, with sighs, was brewing the coffee; mamma was not there. Grandmamma came to meet her, took her by the hand, and said-- "Here is Hertha, Leo dear." There was a slight reproach in her voice as she said this, which didn't please Hertha at all. He gave her a quick glance, which measured her from head to toe, and his face brightened a little. He got up lazily, and held out his hand. "I hope that you are happy here, my dear Hertha," he said. "So I am to be graciously patronized," she thought, with increasing bitterness, as she laid her hand silently in his. She had seldom felt so conscious of being an orphan as at this minute. "You have a good firm handshake," he went on, smiling; "I believe we shall be friends." She felt she was blushing, and wished earnestly that she could think of some smart retort, but nothing occurred to her. "And now let us be jolly, children!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands. "It's no use wearing one's self out with worrying. Here, you whitewashed one, give me some coffee." Elly pouted, and Hertha thought, "Ha, ha! she's caught it." But her turn came next. "Well, little girl," he went on, leaning back in his chair, "mother tells me wonderful things about you. You do the work of a bailiff." "Of a housewife, you mean," she replied; and then blushed deeply, for she felt that she had said something silly.