very well for the American woman to put those on, but she
couldn't put on such a neck and arms as her own.

Now it appeared that one of the walls of the room was only a curtain,
which was presently drawn up. Vine-dressers were discovered, who sang
and spoke praises of the family, and finally presented a myrtle crown.

The curtain fell, amidst the expressions of delight of the whole
company, and as they were about to rise, a voice behind the curtain
cried:--

"Remain seated!"

The curtain rose again, and, behind a thin gauze, Apollo was seen among
shepherds and vine-dressers, and Apollo was Roland; the curtain had to
be twice raised again, for all were enraptured with the tableau, and
especially with Roland's god-like appearance. Bella nodded exultantly
to Eric, who was standing apart; but he felt as if benumbed, as he
asked himself what effect all this would have on Roland, and how Roland
could have concealed it from him. It was not long before Roland joined
the company in his ordinary dress; he was admired and praised on all
sides, and nearly taken off his feet.

Frau Ceres was congratulated almost more than Roland, on her happiness
in having a son of such divine beauty; repeated regrets were expressed
that her daughter was not at the fete. Frau Ceres received all this
most amiably, saying constantly: "I thank you most sincerely, you are
very kind." Fraeulein Perini had taught her her lesson.

New rooms were opened, where tables were spread, and the guests
seated themselves.

Roland went to Eric.

"Are you the only one to say nothing to me?" he asked.

Eric was silent.

"Ah," Roland continued, "it has cost me much trouble to conceal
anything from you, and still more to be attentive for these last few
days, but I wanted to surprise you."

Eric recovered himself, and decided that it would be best not to lay
much stress on the matter, so that it might be less likely to have any
hurtful effect; he only warned Roland to be careful not to take too
much wine. The boy was so full of happiness that he preferred to sit
near Eric, to show him that he was moderate, rather than to take a seat
which was reserved for him at the table of the bride.

Pranken, who, with the portrait painter's aid, had arranged the
tableau, was in a state of singular excitement this evening, for
the idea kept ringing in his head that he might have married the
Wine-count's beautiful daughter; here was new-varnished nobility, to be
sure, bu