but scrupulously neat room, which was decorated with several charming
pictures.

When Nika neared the door, Cornelli said to her in a low voice: "I
want to visit Dino."

"Come, I'll show you the way," came a small voice from behind the door.
It was Mux, who had quickly hidden there to peep with curious eyes at
the new arrivals. He came out and seizing Cornelli's hand, pulled her
away with him. The mother had heard the stranger's voice and at this
moment entered from an adjoining chamber.

"She does not correspond, either, as Cornelli puts it," the Director
said to himself with a smile. He rose and introduced himself. "Following
your son's summons, Mrs. Halm, I have brought you my daughter," he
said. "She can stay a few hours with her sick friend, if that suits
you, and then she can join me again at my hotel."

"I am so much obliged to you for the great favor of bringing her. My
son has looked forward so much to this visit. We all know and love
Cornelli already from what he has told us about her. She has been so
kind to him and has entertained him so well when he was alone in
Iller-Stream that she has earned his and my sincere thanks. Could I
not beg of you to leave Cornelli here for a few days, or at least for
all of to-day?"

"You are very kind, Mrs. Halm," he replied, quite astonished to hear
that his shy, unfriendly child should have furnished the boy any
entertainment. "Those are just polite words," he said to himself, but
aloud he added: "I am afraid that it won't be possible, for my child
would not stay. She is very shy and has all kinds of peculiar habits,
as you probably have noticed from her looks. Your daughter certainly
looks different."

"I shall not keep Cornelli here against her will, of course, but may
I hope to have your permission if the child should want to stay?"

The rector's widow had such a pleasing manner that it was hard to
refuse her anything. The Director therefore gladly assented, for it
was his wish as well as hers.

"Certainly, Mrs. Halm, I shall joyfully give it," he assured her. "Wh