or some naughtiness.

"Not so much chatter, small one," he said, unsmilingly. "This pretense,
it is not necessary between you and me. So. You are ein bischen blasz,
nicht? A little pale? You have not been ill, Dawn?"

"Ill? Never felt more chipper in my life," I made flippant answer, "and
I adore these people who are forever telling one how unusually thin, or
pale, or scrawny one is looking."

"Na, they are not to be satisfied, these women! If I were to tell you
how lovely you look to me to-night you would draw yourself up with chill
dignity and remind me that I am not privileged to say these things to
you. So I discreetly mention that you are looking, interestingly pale,
taking care to keep all tenderness out of my tones, and still you are
not pleased." He shrugged despairing shoulders.

"Can't you strike a happy medium between rudeness and tenderness? After
all, I haven't had a glimpse of your blond beauty for three weeks. And
while I don't ask you to whisper sweet nothings, still, after twenty-one
days--"

"You have been lonely? If only I thought that those weeks have been as
wearisome to you--"

"Not lonely exactly," I hurriedly interrupted, "but sort of wishing that
some one would pat me on the head and tell me that I was a good
doggie. You know what I mean. It is so easy to become accustomed to
thoughtfulness and devotion, and so dreadfully hard to be happy without
it, once one has had it. This has been a sort of training for what I may
expect when Vienna has swallowed you up."

"You are still obstinate? These three weeks have not changed you? Ach,
Dawn! Kindchen!--"

But I knew that these were thin spots marked "Danger!" in our
conversational pond. So, "Come," said I. "I have two new aborigines
for you to meet. They are the very shiniest and wildest of all our
shiny-faced and wild aborigines. And you should see their trousers and
neckties! If you dare to come back from Vienna wearing trousers like
these!--"

"And is the party in honor of these new aborigines?" laughed Von
Gerhard. "You did not explain in your note. Merely you asked me to come,
knowing that I cared not if it were a lawn fete or a ball, so long as I
might again be with you."

We were on our way to the dining room, where the festivities were to be
held. I stopped and turned a look of surprise upon him.

"Don't you know that the Knapfs are leaving? Did I neglect to mention
that this is a farewell party for Herr and Frau Knapf? We are lo