their fellow-pupils that, in their native country,
such half-bloods always travelled in separate cars on the railroads,
and, even in church, had places set apart for them. And as most of the
children were from noble German families, they united in a protest
against Manna's presence, without her knowing anything of it herself.
While she slept, three of the pupils had examined her nails, in the
presence of a nun, and as no black spots were found on them, it was
proved that both parents were of pure blood. Manna was tolerated, and
soon succeeded in winning the blue ribbon by her quick mind and great
industry.

The Professorin held back the words which rose to her lips, for she was
resolved to keep quiet and arouse no discussion; but her lips trembled
as she longed to tell the Superior that it was her duty to have shown
the children, by precept and example, that there can be no distinction
of blood before God, and that such exclusiveness was impious and
barbarous.

Frau Dournay had to exercise still more self-control when the Superior
asked her to be kind enough to fold her hands when grace was said at
dinner. The color flushed into her face, as she listened, and
answered,--

"My husband is gone to his eternal home, and I know that when he stands
before the judgment-seat the Holy Spirit will say to him: Thou hast
lived according to the purest convictions of thy soul; thou hast
honestly examined thyself, and hast attempted and done only what thou
couldst do in all sincerity. At our table, we had no formal prayer, but
before we sat down to eat and drink, each of us spent a minute in
silent self-communion, and in the thought of what it really is to renew
our existence from the Fountain of life; and our meal was consecrated
by pure and good thoughts."

"Well, well, I did not mean to wound you," said the Superior. "I heard
with sympathy that you had lost your husband, for whose sake you
sacrificed yourself so nobly and gladly."

"I was happy with my husband," replied the Professorin; "our love grew
stronger every day. But love for a lover or a husband is always dwelt
on; there is another kind of love, which, though very different, is
wonderfully fresh and noble, and I think I know it. Forgive me for
saying it, but I mean that it seems as if love only rightly begins when
one has a high-minded, excellent son."

"I am glad that you are so happy; but tell me sincerely whether you
have not found that of ten married women, ni