ed! as my old father used to say," muttered he, in
a happy ignorance whether the philosophy emanated from his parent, or
from some higher authority. "One would think that at my time of life
a man might look for a little peace and ease; but Peter Dalton has n't
such luck! Give me the letter," said he, querulously. "There is
Peter Dalton's hand and seal, his act and will," muttered he, with a
half-solemnity, as he pressed the wax with his heavy signet. "'Semper
eadem;' there 's the ancient motto of our house, and, faith, I believe
Counsellor O'Shea was right when he translated it 'The devil a better!'"

He read the address two or three times over to himself, as if there was
something pleasurable in the very look of the words, and then he turned
his glance towards Hans, as in a dreamy half-consciousness he sat still,
contemplating the little statue of Marguerite.

"Is n't it droll to think we 'd be writing to the first in the land, and
an old toy-maker sitting beside the fire all the time," said Dalton,
as he shook his head thoughtfully, in the firm conviction that he had
uttered a very wise and profound remark. "Well well well! Life is a
queer thing!"

"Is it not stranger still that we should have won the friendship of poor
Hanserl than have attracted the notice of Lady Hester?" said Nelly. "Is
it not a prouder thought that we have drawn towards us from affectionate
interest the kindness that has no touch of condescension?"

"I hope you are not comparing the two," said Dalton, angrily. "What's
the creature muttering to himself?"

"It 'B Gretchen's song he 's trying to remember," said Kate.

"Nach ihm nur schau' ich
Zum Feuster hinaus!"

said Hans, in a low, distinct voice. "'Was kommt nach,' what comes next,
Fraulein?"

"You must ask sister Nelly, Hanserl," said Kate; but Nelly was standing
behind the massive stove, her face covered with her hands.

"Zum Fenster hinaus," repeated he, slowly; "and then, Fraulein? and
then?"

"Tell him, Nelly; tell him what follows."

"Nach ihm nur schau' ich
Zum Fenster hinaus;
Nach ihm nur geh' ich

Aus dem Haus!"

repeated she.

"Ja, ja!" cried Hans, delightedly,

"Nach ihm nur geh' ich
Aus dem Haus!"

"What does that mean?" said Dalton, with impatience. "It's Gretchen's
song, papa," said Nelly.

"His figure I gaze on,

O'er and o'er;
His step I follow
From the door."

"I hope it isn't in love the creatu