"All jealousy--all jealousy; I want to get you out of the house before
that fascinating Manna returns." Bella was in great good humor.

The next day, while Roland was with his companions at the
photographer's, decorated with a new blue ribbon which he had secretly
fastened on his dress, and while servants were distributing cards of
invitation to the great Sonnenkamp ball, Sonnenkamp himself,
accompanied only by Lootz, drove to Villa Eden.

CHAPTER V.

A STRONG HAND IS POWERLESS.

The Frau Professorin was sitting at the window of the warm and
comfortable sitting-room. Carpets and cushions within, and moss
without, shut out every draught. The sewing-machine at which she sat
moved so easily, that scarce a sound was heard from it. From the river
came the noise of the grating and crashing of the great masses of ice,
as they struck against one another, changed their shapes, and floated
on again.

She often looked out across the river and into the country, and saw the
smoke rising from the houses in the different hamlets; she was familiar
with the life there now.

Accompanied sometimes by Fraeulein Milch, sometimes by the huntsman, but
generally by Sevenpiper, whose cheerfulness she took great delight in,
she had made her way everywhere, ordering and helping with word and
deed. There was a constant passing of visitors back and forth, some
coming with thanks, and some with new petitions. She thought herself
highly favored in being allowed an activity so abundant, and so
immediately fruitful in results.

But the Frau Professorin was not without higher pursuits, for she read
over again her husband's favorite books, and studied his comments
written on almost every page, drawing thence a strength which enabled
her to live in silent communion with the departed. Her husband's words
she generally read aloud; it did her good to move her lips, and hear a
voice speaking his opinions. Often also she had to read aloud, in order
to drive away the thoughts which crowded upon her at all times,
thoughts about Sonnenkamp, his life and character, and what he had been
in the past, but especially about Manna, and the feelings that were
working in her. She thought she understood now the meaning of Manna's
words to Roland when she was leaving her parents' home: "I too am an
Iphigenia." She repeated to herself, as she sat at work, the song of
the Fates, in Goethe's drama, and her he