Something in Madame Fontaine's manner suggested that she might not be quite so modest in her demands on my aunt, when they met at Frankfort, as she had led me to believe.

I was vexed with myself for having spoken too unreservedly, and was quite at a loss to decide what I ought to say in answer to the appeal that had been made to me.

In this state of perplexity I was relieved by a welcome interruption.

Minna's voice reached us from the landing outside.

"I have both hands engaged," she said; "please let me in." I ran to the door.