thick lips curled for a
moment in a joyful grin, but instantly resumed an expression of solemn
respect. Then they left the house, and Toinette leaned lightly on
Edwin's arm. The streets were full of people in their Sunday attire,
elegant equipages rolled past them, the air was still, and when they
crossed the bridge, all the windows of the old castle glittered in the
autumn sunlight. Toinette paused before a huckster who was selling
fruit.

"It's improper to eat in the street," she whispered to Edwin. "But just
for that very reason you must buy me one of those beautiful apples. I
feel as if I were masquerading. Why shouldn't we take advantage of our
disguise? Or must people stare at plebeian picnics?"

"Heaven forbid!" he answered. "Eating is the main object. And as for
the propriety--you see I wear no gloves today."

"But unfortunately, a terribly respectable hat. If the shops were not
closed, I should make you oblige me by buying a new one at once. I
liked your looks much better before; but it's no use now. We must both
appear like scarecrows among the pretty Sunday toilettes."

"Then the birds will at least keep away from these grapes," he answered
laughing, as he handed her a paper horn full of the fruit. "I'll put
the apples in my pocket. Good Heavens! Here are the oranges I bought
for Balder yesterday. What shall we do with all these blessings? Ah!
here comes a droschky. Now we can eat our breakfast more comfortably."

He signed to the driver and helped his companion in. Just as he was in
the act of entering the vehicle, he saw Leah approaching with her
father. The old gentleman's face was as bright as ever, but his
daughter looked somewhat paler, and for the first time Edwin noticed
with surprise the dark brilliancy of her eyes and the grace of her
walk. They also recognized him, the young girl with a sudden blush, the
father, after a hasty movement as if to rush up to him, restraining
himself. Then they went on in the stream of pedestrians, while Edwin
entered the droschky and called to the driver: "To Charlottenburg!"

"Who was the beautiful girl to whom you just bowed?" said Toinette,
turning to look after her.

"A former pupil. Do you think her beautiful? I confess I was somewhat
struck by her appearance to-day. During the time I taught her, till
within a few weeks ago, I noticed nothing remarkable in her face,
except that she has very wise, earnest eyes."

Toinette made no reply and seemed lost in t