y in which
they spoke German, and made use of strange constructions, served to
increase the general kindliness. Bella was especially friendly toward
the Englishwomen. The ladies' conversation was all intermingled
together, like the singing of birds in the woods. Each one sings its
own song, then polishes its own bill, and has no concern about the
rest,--hardly hears them. Only two remarks were generally listened to
and repeated; once, when Frau White made the happy observation that one
would be aware of Count Clodwig's many badges of distinction, even if
he did not wear any, which the Justice's wife took occasion to report
to Bella; and again, when they came upon the subject, no one could tell
how, whether the men's smoking was agreeable or disagreeable, Frau
Lay-figure said that her good man often expressed the wish that he
could be passionately fond of smoking, so as to wean himself from being
so fond of her. Frau Bella had that perpetual complaisant smile which
is so cold, and yet so fascinating.

The conversation only grazed Herr Sonnenkamp lightly. It remained fixed
upon Eric, and why should it not? Here in the summer time, thousands
frequent the little town, and swarm on the road leading to the old
castle and to the other objects of interest for sight-seers, but when
had there been a person who remained among them, and such a noteworthy
personage too? Eric was a strange bird who wanted to take refuge in the
mysterious house of Sonnenkamp; they will do him no harm, ruffle not
one of his feathers, but each one wishes to have her say concerning
where he comes from, and how he looks.

The Justice's wife remarked that she would have liked to invite the
Major to the coffee-drinking, for he could tell the most about the
captain-doctor.

The ladies were busy, of course, with their crochet, embroidery and
sewing; but these are only make-believe labors, for one must not seem
to be wholly idle.

When they understood that Eric's mother was a lady of unimpeachable
nobility, each one wanted to make out that she had perceived that in
him at once, it was something that could not be concealed. Bella
accorded to this remark one of her most friendly looks of general
approval.

When the Justice himself now came, for a little quarter of an hour, to
join the company, Bella requested him to take a chair by her; she
declared that they were very happy in this harmless circle, and she
desired that no disturbing element should ever e