t Fraeulein Perini
was slightly hurt, and Frau Bella quickly added, that pious natures are
never really oppressed by dependence, for they, have in themselves a
higher position, yes, they are through piety constituted the equals of
anybody.

Fraeulein Perini smiled; she understood how kindly Bella; treated her,
and there was no need of the friendly pressure of the hand to make her
perceive it.

A servant came, and announced that Frau Ceres would receive the
gracious countess in the balcony-saloon; she was not allowed by her
physician to go out into the open air.

Fraeulein Perini accompanied Bella as far as the outside-stairs, and
made there a very polite courtesy; Bella, however, grasped both her
hands with irrepressible cordiality, and said that she should like such
a friend as Fraeulein Perini for daily intercourse; she pressingly urged
her to confer the honor of a visit without any delay.

When the rustling of Bella's garments was no longer heard, Fraeulein
Perini clawed with her little hand like a cat, which, silently lurking,
has caught something; contemptuously she opened her eyes, always so
veiled, and her small mouth almost uttered the words,--

"You are all deluded."

Frau Ceres complained of her constant suffering, and Frau Bella
attempted to console her, saying that she had everything, and
especially such splendid children. She knew not which to praise most,
the charming attractions of Roland, or the angelic nature of Manna.

Bella seldom came into Sonnenkamp's house, but when she came there, she
was always seized by a passion which is perhaps peculiarly a woman's
passion. She lived at Wolfsgarten in an abundance which left nothing to
be desired, but as soon as she drove through the gate of Villa Eden, an
evil spirit came over her; and the demon's name is Envy--envy of this
exuberant superfluity, where there was no dragging along under the
burden of old lumber and decaying remnants, but everything newly
created. And as often as she thought of Frau Ceres, sparkles flashed
before her eyes, for she saw then the diamond ornaments of Frau Ceres,
such as the reigning princess herself did not possess.

She was thoroughly condescending and gracious to Frau Ceres, and she
was happy that she could be condescending. These people can buy
everything for themselves, but not a noble, historically famous name;
and if the proposal of Otto succeeds, it is only the covering up of
lowness with a fresh varnish, which is