ns of the little household idol. Edwin
listened with silent nods, Leah on the contrary entered into the
subject with eager admiration, which seemed to greatly delight their
old friend.

"Dear friend," said he, "you have a wonderful knowledge of human
nature, far more than this scornful skeptic. If he knows what's for his
advantage, he'll allow you to prepare certain chapters of his great
psychological work. I'll beg you for a sheet of paper, pen, and ink. I
want to write a letter to my son, that we may continue to be in
communication with each other."

He actually did so, standing at Edwin's desk and talking with his
friends in his usual quaint manner. When Leah had gone out, he asked
hastily: "Does she know all?"

"All."

"And how did she take it?"

"As you see. She's an angel--no, something better--a strong, upright,
good, noble human being. Do you know, Heinz, I can't shake off the
thought that she deserved a better fate than to have for a husband a
lunatic, who is so pitifully defenceless against certain witches'
arts."

"Defenceless. Well, I declare. We resisted with hands and feet!"

"Yes indeed. We left the field. Discretion is the better part of valor.
Oh! Heinz, I feel miserable after that heroic deed. And now to see my
dear, patient sufferer, who by no word of complaint, no look of
reproach--"

"Hush! She's coming back; there! 'Your loving father.' Now I'm curious
to see whether he'll have any idea of how his papa can talk to him when
he's not with him. Shall we mail the letter and then pay our respects
to Frau Reginchen?"

All three left the little house and strolled through the quiet streets.
No one who saw Leah, leaning on Edwin's arm, would have suspected what
a deep shadow had suddenly darkened her sunny life.

But it did not escape the notice of the little fair-haired woman in the
neighboring, house for a single moment. As soon as the first greetings
were over--Papa Feyertag was also present--Reginchen drew Leah aside,
to ask what Edwin had said to the joyful news, and was greatly startled
when she learned that he had not yet heard a word about it. He had
returned home so exhausted that the greatest joy would have been lost
upon him, and Mohr's visit had prevented her from telling it early that
morning. Reginchen said nothing. Although, as we know, she did not
possess a great deal of "education," her clear mind instantly showed
her that something unpleasant had occurred, which would not be