were mirrored
in the stream. Manna entered the park. The fragrance of flowers was
wafted on the fresh, sparkling air, and a divine peace was diffused
everywhere around. The flowers glistened with a lustrous brightness,
and each color was heightened and glorified by the other; the white
added to the splendor of the blue, and the red was softened in its
burning glow, making a holy, peaceful harmony.

Each flower, each tree in blossom, helps to make fragrant the air which
the daughter of the house inhales; and around her is a human atmosphere
whose elements are hard to analyze. The father, harsh, and violent,
wanted to force his will upon his child either by kindness or severity;
the mother, wrapped up in her own feelings, wholly taken up with
herself and her ardent longings for worldly show.

The Professorin thought much of Manna, and would willingly have given
her rest; would have helped her over the first days and imparted what
she could, but she knew very well that it was not best to offer
anything before it was asked for.

The Aunt's look and manner seemed always to be saying: I am all ready,
if there is anything you want of me. There was no particular thing that
she desired to proffer Manna, but she would have held back nothing.

Eric was very deeply interested; he smiled to himself as the comparison
occurred to him: This child out of the convent must feel as you did,
when you left the regiment and doffed your uniform; formerly kept under
strict discipline, she must now be under self-discipline altogether,
and must feel the want of commands, of comrades.

Manna took the single seat under the weeping ash, that had been put in
order for her again, and now she wondered why she had been so rude
yesterday to Eric.

She wanted to say the first time she saw him: Do not believe that I
presumed in this way because you are dependent and in service.

And at this same moment Eric was walking alone in the park, and
proposing to say when he should meet with Manna: I would not have our
intercourse begin with ill-humor or a misunderstanding.

Manna, hearing approaching footsteps, now looked up and saw Eric coming
along the path. She remained seated. As he came nearer, he greeted her,
but neither of them uttered the contemplated speech.

Eric began:--

"I should like to give you a proof that I hold sacred the interior
sanctuary of your thought--and if yesterday I--it was a day of great
excitement. I beg you would also re