he high polished brow. Nestling
beside him in very unequivocal proximity, sat a pretty young woman who
seemed to be looking at the book also and eagerly following the words,
while she held his hand firmly clasped in hers. An elderly man with a
simple narrow-minded face was leaning back in a large arm-chair, and
accompanied the reading with his peaceful snores. Mohr needed but one
glance to understand the condition of affairs.

"Don't let me disturb you," he said suddenly in the most courteous
tone. "I merely wish to say a few words in private to Herr Candidat
Moser."

Lorinser started up, the young wife uttered a cry and let fall his
hand, the sleeper rubbed his eyes in astonishment. For a moment it
seemed as if all three had been petrified by the sudden appearance of
the stranger. Mohr did not grudge himself the mischievous pleasure
afforded by the scene, but quietly approached a step nearer and bowed
to the mistress of the house.

"Whom do you want here, sir?" asked Lorinser, who had hastily
regained: his composure. "I've not the honor of your acquaintance."

"So Peter said," replied Mohr dryly. "But you, I hope, will remember me
before the cock crows. Permit me to take a seat. Will you have the
kindness to introduce me to the company, or shall I do it myself?"

"This insolence goes too far," muttered Lorinser, who had grown deadly
pale. "Do you presume, sir, to force your way into a stranger's house
and disturb the devotions of the family without apology?"

"I do, my worthy sir. The night will be long enough to continue that
which, to my great regret, I've interrupted. I desire only a quarter of
an hour of your precious time--and will not disturb you longer."

The young wife had turned away to conceal her embarrassment, and now
glided out of the room. Her husband prepared to follow her.

"Stay," exclaimed Lorinser, still clinging to the mask of indignation.
"You must bear witness, my dear friend--"

"As you choose, my good fellow," said Mohr with icy composure. "It will
be a favor to me if the gentleman will make a record of our treaty. To
begin: in the first place--I've just come from Fraeulein Johanne--"

He looked Lorinser steadily in the eye, and the effect produced by this
name was fully equal to his expectations. A short pause ensued, then
Lorinser whispered something in the ear of his host, and the latter
with a submissive bend of the head, left the room.

They were scarcely alone, when Mohr drew