ce I had come to
the house on that memorable evening six weeks ago. I bribed the first
person I met to guide me to the doctor's, and send him straight down to
the "Halbmond," not staying to listen to the thorough scolding he fell
to giving me; then on to the parsonage, to tell the master and the
Fraeulein of the state of things at home.

I was sorry to be the bearer of bad news into such a festive chamber
as the pastor's. There they sat, resting after heat and fatigue, each
in their best gala dress, the table spread with "Dicker-milch,"
potato-salad, cakes of various shapes and kinds--all the dainty cates
dear to the German palate. The pastor was talking to Herr Mueller,
who stood near the pretty young Fraeulein Anna, in her fresh white
chemisette, with her round white arms, and her youthful coquettish airs,
as she prepared to pour out the coffee; our Fraeulein was talking busily
to the Frau Mama; the younger boys and girls of the family filling up
the room. A ghost would have startled the assembled party less than I
did, and would probably have been more welcome, considering the news I
brought. As he listened, the master caught up his hat and went forth,
without apology or farewell. Our Fraeulein made up for both, and
questioned me fully; but now she, I could see, was in haste to go,
although restrained by her manners, and the kind-hearted Frau Pastorin
soon set her at liberty to follow her inclination. As for me I was
dead-beat, and only too glad to avail myself of the hospitable couple's
pressing request that I would stop and share their meal. Other magnates
of the village came in presently, and relieved me of the strain of
keeping up a German conversation about nothing at all with entire
strangers. The pretty Fraeulein's face had clouded over a little at Herr
Mueller's sudden departure; but she was soon as bright as could be,
giving private chase and sudden little scoldings to her brothers, as
they made raids upon the dainties under her charge. After I was duly
rested and refreshed, I took my leave; for I, too, had my quieter
anxieties about the sorrow in the Mueller family.

The only person I could see at the "Halbmond" was Lottchen; every one
else was busy about the poor little Max, who was passing from one fit
into another. I told Lottchen to ask the doctor to come in and see me
before he took his leave for the night, and tired as I was, I kept up
till after his visit, though it was very late before he came; I c