efore
I early renounced the cultivation of talents I did not possess, and
like a true realist, endeavored to take the world and myself as we are,
it should rather be imputed to me as a virtue, especially as I have
risen to a tolerable height in the admiration and enjoyment of gifts
denied me, and moreover possess a few valuable qualities, such as for
instance the ability to order a good dinner, to brew a punch, and to
write prescriptions for intermittent fever. And now, after this
effective little correction, I propose that we drink the ladies' health
and beg Fraeulein Adele to use her exquisite voice in singing away the
last remnant of discord."

A loud clapping of hands, for which Adele herself gave the signal,
rewarded this speech, during which Mohr had slowly reseated himself and
emptied his glass in little sips. Refilling it, he turned toward
Marquard with a peculiar twinkle in his keen grey eyes.

"I heartily assent to the proposal," said he, "but must first place on
record a short personal observation, namely that I was a great donkey.
The ladies will pardon the rude expression, since I doubt not, they are
convinced of its truth. Fritz Marquard, I hereby declare that you're
right in patting yourself on the back and thinking yourself a famous
fellow. From this day I beg you to grant me your friendship, and hope
to give you proofs of mine--"

"And if a man has fallen
Love guides him back to duty--"

sang Adele, as she sprang from her seat and glided to an old piano that
stood in one corner of the room, and which was sometimes used for
little dancing parties. She hastily opened it, struck a few notes, and
called Christiane to try it more thoroughly. Meantime Marquard had
crossed over to Mohr and cordially shaken hands with him; Edwin and
Toinette also rose, lights and a fresh bottle of wine were brought in,
and amidst the bustle of coming and going Christiane hastily ran her
hands over the keys, and commenced Weber's "Invitation to the waltz."
The room became quiet. Edwin had carried two chairs into a window
recess, which was illumined by the last crimson rays of the autumnal
sunlight. Without a word from him, Toinette took one chair and he sat
down beside her. He had scarcely spoken to her at the table, but he had
listened to her every word, and little as he appeared to look at her,
had often turned his eyes with delight upon the delicate profile and
black lashes. But now as