ere were no such
persons in the world.

In contrast with the clear, full tone of Eric, Fraeulein Perini always
spoke in a somewhat husky voice; and when she perceived that Eric was
surprised at hearing her, she said,--

"I thank you for not asking me if I am not hoarse. You cannot imagine
how tiresome it is to be obliged to reply, again and again, that I have
always spoken so from my childhood."

Eric gladly entered into this friendly mood, and related how
troublesome it was to a friend of his, born on the 28th of February, to
have the remark always made to him. It is fortunate for you that you
were not born on the 29th, for then you would have had only one
birth-day every four years. "He has now accustomed himself to say
pleasantly, 'I was born on the 28th of February, and it is fortunate
for me that I was not born on the 29th, for then I should have had only
one birth-day every four years.'"

Fraeulein Perini laughed heartily, and Eric was obliged also to laugh.

"What are you laughing at?" Sonnenkamp asked, drawing near. Laughing
was the thing of all others that he most delighted in.

Fraeulein Perini narrated the story of Eric's friend, and Sonnenkamp
laughed too.

The day continued after that serene and unruffled.

CHAPTER VIII.

EYES OPENED.

While Eric was in the garden with Herr Sonnenkamp, Roland sat with
Claus near the young dogs. The huntsman asked him whether all was
settled with the captain, and seeing that he did not understand his
meaning, he laughed to himself as he thought he might win a double
reward.

"What will you give me," he asked, "if I manage to have the captain
stay with you as a companion and teacher? Whew!" he interrupted himself
suddenly, "you look like a dog whose eyes are opened for the first
time. Come, tell me--what will you give me?"

Roland could not answer; everything was giddy and confused in his
thoughts, and the young dogs seemed to be whirling round and round.

Joseph came into the stable, and after representing Eric's parents as
veritable saints, he concluded,--

"You ought to be proud, Master Roland; the father educated the prince,
and now the son is to educate you."

"Open the shutters, quick!" cried Claus suddenly. Joseph did so, and
the trainer took up one of the puppies, drew up its eyelids, and
exclaimed, "There, that's enough to show me that this one's eyes are
just opening. Now don't le