or there was a proposition to be arranged with
the city clerk, which must be completed before the meeting of the
council. Nothing was farther from his thoughts than his birthday, and
when the singers in the dining-room commenced their madrigal, he rapped
on the door, exclaiming:

"We are busy; find another place for your singing." The melody was
interrupted for a moment, and Barbara said:

"People picking apples don't think of fishing-nets. He has no idea it is
his birthday. Let the children go in first."

Maria now entered the study with Adrian and Bessie. They carried
bouquets in their hands, and the young wife had dressed the little girl
so prettily that, in her white frock, she really looked like a dainty
fairy.

Peter now knew the meaning of the singing, warmly embraced the three
well-wishers, and when the madrigal began again, stood opposite to the
performers to listen. True, the execution was not nearly so good as
at the rehearsal, for Maria sang in a low and somewhat muffled voice,
while, spite of Wilhelm's vehement beating of time, the warmth and verve
of the day before would not return.

"Admirable, admirable," cried Peter, when the singers ceased. "Well
planned and executed, a beautiful birthday surprise." Then he shook
hands with each, saying a few cordial words and, as he grasped the
Junker's right hand, remarked warmly: "You have dropped down on us from
the skies during these bad days, just at the right time. It is always
something to have a home in a foreign land, and you have found one with
us."

Georg had bent his eyes on the floor, but at the last words raised them
and met the burgomaster's. How honestly, how kindly and frankly they
looked at him! Deep emotion overpowered him, and without knowing what
he was doing, he laid his hands on Peter's arms and hid his face on his
shoulder.

Van der Werff suffered him to do so, stroked the youth's hair, and said
smiling:

"Like Leonhard, wife, just like our Leonhard. We will dine together
to-day. You, too, Van Hout; and don't forget your wife."

Maria assigned the seats at the table, so that she was not obliged to
look at Georg. His place was beside Frau Van Hout and opposite Henrica
and the musician. At first he was silent and embarrassed, but Henrica
gave him no rest, and when he had once begun to answer her questions
he was soon carried away by her glowing vivacity, and gave free, joyous
play to his wit. Henrica did not remain in his debt, her ey