to be afraid of. The dream came naturally enough, because she was always
dwelling upon the tragedy of her father's death, and in dreams every one
knows that faces are always changing. His explanation, however, did not
make much impression upon Veronica. She said no more about it; but not all
Dietrich's efforts were sufficient to chase the shadows from her face that
evening, although he exerted himself to be even more amusing than usual.
Gertrude observed her silence, as they sat about the table, and looked
anxiously at her. When they had separated for the night, Dietrich went
into his mother's room to have a talk with her. He told her what Veronica
had said, and begged her to reason with the young girl and urge her to lay
aside these groundless fears which had taken possession of her. He
represented to his mother, that of course he sometimes had things to talk
over with his companions, and that there surely was no harm in their going
to the Rehbock together for their conversations, and he begged her to make
Veronica see the whole affair in a reasonable light. Gertrude was shocked
to find that the child had heard and understood what she had said to the
doctor, and distressed that she had taken it so much to heart. She
promised to speak to Veronica, but she also cautioned her son against
forming an intimacy with Jost and Blasi. Dietrich cheerfully gave his
word; declaring that he was not particularly fond of their company. The
mother, however, on further consideration, decided to say nothing on the
subject to Veronica, for she thought the whole thing would be the sooner
forgotten if not spoken of, and she believed it unwise to stir up the
terrors of the past.

The next afternoon, Dietrich left home much earlier than usual, determined
not to be belated again, and hoping to escape altogether his too insistent
companions. But scarcely had he reached the garden gate when he came upon
Blasi, who was lying in wait for him. Dietrich tried to pass him quickly,
and to show him that his company was not desired, but in vain Blasi had
not been waiting round half an hour to be turned off like that. He
explained that he was in worse trouble than ever to-day, and wished to
borrow more money than ever before; promising, of course, to pay it back
very soon; "that is, as soon as possible," he added.

"Oh yes, well, when will it be possible, I wonder. How much have you paid
me back, as yet, since you began to borrow of me?" said Dietrich an