piece, and when she came to the end, she
glanced at Dora who nodded so pleasantly that Lili, thus encouraged, began
again at the beginning. Presently Dora began to sing the words; Wili, who
was waiting in vain for his chance to play, joined her; then Hunne too; so
that a loud chorus rang out cheerily from the school-room--

"Live your life merrily
While the lamp glows;
Ere it can fade and die,
Gather the rose."

They were so carried away by their own music that the voices rose louder
and louder, and Hunne's out-screamed them all. Presently Lili twirled
round on her stool, and said, her eyes shining with joyful expectation:

"Just wait till to-morrow, Dora, and then you'll see!" for the child had
worked so diligently at her exercises that morning that she felt that she
had a right to claim at least half a dozen new pieces from Miss
Hanenwinkel to-morrow.

At this moment the bell rang for the twins to go to their lessons; a sound
that Hunne was well-pleased to hear, for now he could have Dora to himself
till dinner-time; and the little girl gave herself up to him so cheerfully
and with such warm interest in the artistic performances of his
nut-cracker, that he made a firm resolution then and there never to let
her go again. But no sooner was dinner over, than his plan was completely
upset. Paula had finished her French lessons, and with her mother's leave,
she now took possession of Dora. As for Dora, she asked nothing better;
she would have been glad to spend whole days and nights talking with
Paula, telling all the secrets of her heart, and hearing in return all her
friend's thoughts and wishes, hopes and fears. They both felt sure that
they could never be tired of being together, and of sharing each other's
memories of the past and plans for the future. A long life-time would not
be enough for them. It was seven o'clock before they again joined the
family group which was gathered under the apple-tree; and being late they
slipped into their places very quickly, for the father had begun to cough
significantly, to show that things were not just as they should be. During
the meal, Rolf cast meaning looks across to Dora, that seemed to say,

"We two have a plan together next; don't forget!"

While they all sat chatting merrily after supper was over, Rolf was
watching the sky, to see when the first pale star should peep through the
twilight amid the twigs of the apple-tree; and as soon as he spied