, fair-complexioned maiden had used up all her green worsted, so
that she must go to the convent for more, and she nodded significantly
to the others that she would find out who was the new arrival. But
before the blond girl could come back, a serving-sister appeared, and
informed Manna Sonnenkamp that she was to come to the convent. Manna
arose, and Heimchen, who wanted to go with her, was bidden to remain;
the child quietly seated herself again on her little stool under the
beech-tree from which hung the picture of the Madonna. Manna broke off
a little freshly-budding twig from the tree under which she had been
sitting, and placed it in her book as a mark; she then followed the
sister.

There was great questioning among those who remained: Who is he? Is he
a cousin? But the Sonnenkamps have no relatives in Europe. Perhaps a
cousin from America.

The children were uneasy, and seemed to have no longer any inclination
for their studies. Manna had given to a companion the blue sash which
she wore on her right shoulder, and this one felt it incumbent on her
to keep strict order.

Manna came to the convent. As she entered the reception-room, to find
the lady-superior. Otto von Pranken rose quickly and bowed.

"Herr von Pranken," said the superior, "brings you a greeting from your
parents and Fraeulein Perini."

Pranken approached Manna, and extended his hand, but as she had the
book in her right hand, she gave him in a hesitating manner her left.
Pranken, the fluent talker, only stammered out--for Manna's appearance
had greatly impressed him--the expression of his satisfaction at seeing
Manna so well and so much grown, and of the joy it would give her
parents and Fraeulein Perini to see her again, so much improved.

The stammering manner of Pranken, moved as he was by repressed feeling,
lasted while he continued to speak further; for in the midst of his
involuntary agitation, he became suddenly aware that this evident
emotion could not fail to be noticed by Manna, and must produce some
impression upon her. He skilfully contrived to keep up the same tone
with which he had begun, and congratulated himself on his ability to
play so well a bashful, timid, and surprised part. He had many
animating narratives to give of her family at home, and congratulated
the maiden on being allowed to live on a blissful island until she
could return to the mainland, where a pleasant company of friends
formed also a social mainland. Pran