is little formula learned by heart,
but the Professorin unintentionally stripped off this pretty adornment
by saying:--

"Each one has his own satisfaction, either in nature or in art, if he
is only true to himself. It is not necessary to understand and know a
thing thoroughly before one can derive pleasure from it. I take delight
in these mountains, without knowing how high they are, and what strata
they are composed of, and many other things that men of science are
acquainted with. So you can take pleasure in music. Endeavor first of
all to get the simple truth, and try after nothing farther, and
everything else will be yours."

No one imagined, not even Frau Ceres herself, that she went out of the
music-saloon to-day a different being; for no one is able to say what
word will have a direct influence upon a thirsting, aspiring, and
receptive heart and mind. Frau Ceres was not conscious of the real
change in herself; without learning, without acquirements, one can
enter into the joys of life and of knowledge through one's own natural
susceptibilities.

The quiet, healthful life of the house was suddenly broken in upon; a
carriage rattled on the gravel of the courtyard; a silken train
rustled: Bella and her husband made their appearance.

CHAPTER V.

A DOUBLE GAME.

Like a bit of a home in a foreign land comes a meeting with friends
among new surroundings, and the visit of Bella and Clodwig was a true
pleasure to Frau Dournay; Bella embraced her rather impetuously, while
Clodwig took her hand in both of his.

"But where is Eric?" asked Bella very soon, holding the Aunt's hand
fast, as if she must cling to something.

With an uneasy glance first at Clodwig, then at Bella, the Mother
answered that it was a rule not to allow the study-hours to be
interrupted even by so pleasant a family occurrence as their welcome
visit; she emphasized the word _family_, and Sonnenkamp, acknowledging
it with a bow, said that an exception might be made to-day, but Clodwig
himself begged that this should not be. Bella dropped the Aunt's hand,
and stood with downcast eyes, while the Professor's widow watched her
closely.

Bella looked fresh and animated; she was in full dress, and wore a
large cape of sky-blue silk, under which her bare arm was seen in all
its roundness.

They went into the garden, and Sonnenkamp was pleased to hear Frau
Dournay explaining his s