have known of this
meeting when he and his wife asked you to supper. I think, Anna, that it
is your duty to attend this gathering. The Dean not only approves of it,
but, from what I could make out, he actually suggested that it should
take place. Of course I know it makes no real difference to you; but
still, Anna," she spoke reprovingly, "you should not forget at such a
time as this that you are German-born."

The old woman looked up quickly at her mistress. Forget she was
German-born! Mrs. Otway was a most good lady, a most kind employer, but
she was sometimes foolish, very very foolish, in what she said! She,
Anna Bauer, had often noticed it. Still, averse as she was from the
thought, the old German woman was ruefully aware that she would have to
accept Mr. Hegner's invitation. When it came to a tussle of will between
the two, herself and her mistress, Mrs. Otway generally won, partly
because she was, after all, Anna's employer, and also because she always
knew exactly what it was she wanted Anna to do. Anna was emotional,
easily touched, highly excitable; she also generally knew what she
wanted, but she did not find it easy to force her will on others, least
of all on her beloved if not exactly admired mistress.

Grumbling under her breath, she retreated into her kitchen; while Mrs.
Otway, feeling tired and rather dispirited, went upstairs.

The back-door bell rang, and Anna went and opened it. A boy stood there,
bearing on a tray not only the various little things Mrs. Otway had
ordered at the Witanbury Stores half an hour before, but also an
envelope addressed to "Frau Bauer." Anna brought the things into the
kitchen, then she opened with interest the envelope addressed to
herself. It contained a card, elegantly headed:

"THE WITANBURY STORES.
Proprietor: MANFRED HEGNER."

Across it were written in German the words: "You are bidden to a meeting
at the above address to-night at nine o'clock. There will be cakes and
coffee served before the meeting begins. Entrance by Market Row."

Anna read the words again and again. This was treating her at last as
she ought always to have been treated! Anna did not like her erst
fellow-country-man, and she considered that she had good reason for her
dislike. Resentment against ingratitude is not confined to any one
nationality.

When Manfred Hegner had first come to Witanbury, Anna had been delighted
to make his acquaintance, and she had spent many happy half-ho