"Let us begin now," said he enthusiastically; "I will tell them all to you one after another, even if it takes till midnight." This reminded Dora how late it was. "No, Rolf" she said quickly, "thank you very much, but no more to-night. To-morrow; will you tell me to-morrow?" "Well, to-morrow then, Dora, don't forget. Good-night." "Good-night, Rolf;" and Dora hurried into the house. She was so brimming over with happiness and the many pleasures of the day, that she sprang up-stairs to Aunt Ninette, and began to tell her everything all mixed up together, with such astonishing vivacity, that her aunt drew back rather startled. "Dora! Dora! think a minute! this excitement may go to your arm! Go to sleep as quick as you can; that is the best thing you can do." Dora went to her bed-room, but sleep was impossible. She knelt down at her bed-side and gave heart-felt thanks to God for sending her all this happiness; she resolved that when these holidays were over she would go back to her work again without complaint; no matter how long the hours might be, and she would never forget these happy days that the good God had sent her now. It was long before she could close her eyes for very bliss. CHAPTER VIII. MORE CHARADES. Early the next day, as Julius was clattering along the passage with his big riding-boots and spurs, he heard the sounds of practising in the school-room, and knowing that Miss Hanenwinkel did not give lessons at this hour, he pushed open the door to see what was going on. There sat Lili at the piano, and Wili stood by, looking as if he were impatiently counting every minute till he could have his turn. "What are you two about?" he called out, "is this the beginning of some mischievous prank?" "Be quiet, Jule, we haven't a minute to lose," said Lili seriously. Jule laughed aloud and went on his way. Going down stairs, he met Miss Hanenwinkel. "What has got into the twins now?" he asked. "Have they taken the notion of being virtuous, into their small noddles?" "That is more likely at seven than at seventeen;" was all the answer he got. He went on down stairs still laughing, and just at the front door met his mother. She was starting at that early hour to try to see the doctor before he went from home, to ask him exactly the state of Dora's arm, and whether there was any danger for the child. Aunt Ninette's anxiety had infected her, and she could not rest until she knew the probabilities of the case. "Do I hear some one playing on the piano, Jule?" she asked. "It is an unusual sound for this time of day." "Mother dear, I do believe that the end of the world is coming," replied Julius; "Lili is up there hurrying from one finger-exercise to another as if she could not get enough of that exquisite amusement, and Wili is seated at her side in a similar condition of nervous industry, waiting for his turn at the piano."