ch successive year. I
was reading the "Miracles of Lourdes," which a Catholic priest--fixing
a gloomy eye upon my soul--had begged me to digest; but its wonders were
completely routed by Frau Fischer's arrival. Not even the white roses
upon the feet of the Virgin could flourish in that atmosphere.

"... It was a simple shepherd-child who pastured her flocks upon the
barren fields..."

Voices from the room above: "The washstand has, of course, been scrubbed
over with soda."

"... Poverty-stricken, her limbs with tattered rags half covered..."

"Every stick of the furniture has been sunning in the garden for three
days. And the carpet we made ourselves out of old clothes. There is a
piece of that beautiful flannel petticoat you left us last summer."

"... Deaf and dumb was the child; in fact, the population considered her
half idiot..."

"Yes, that is a new picture of the Kaiser. We have moved the
thorn-crowned one of Jesus Christ out into the passage. It was not
cheerful to sleep with. Dear Frau Fischer, won't you take your coffee
out in the garden?"

"That is a very nice idea. But first I must remove my corsets and my
boots. Ah, what a relief to wear sandals again. I am needing the 'cure'
very badly this year. My nerves! I am a mass of them. During the entire
journey I sat with my handkerchief over my head, even while the guard
collected the tickets. Exhausted!"

She came into the arbour wearing a black and white spotted
dressing-gown, and a calico cap peaked with patent leather, followed by
Kathi, carrying the little blue jugs of malt coffee. We were formally
introduced. Frau Fischer sat down, produced a perfectly clean pocket
handkerchief and polished her cup and saucer, then lifted the lid of the
coffee-pot and peered in at the contents mournfully.

"Malt coffee," she said. "Ah, for the first few days I wonder how I
can put up with it. Naturally, absent from home one must expect much
discomfort and strange food. But as I used to say to my dear husband:
with a clean sheet and a good cup of coffee I can find my happiness
anywhere. But now, with nerves like mine, no sacrifice is too terrible
for me to make. What complaint are you suffering from? You look
exceedingly healthy!"

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

"Ah, that is so strange about you English. You do not seem to enjoy
discussing the functions of the body. As well speak of a railway train
and refuse to mention the engine. How can we hope to unde