"True, my father and Eva have gone to the dance at the Town Hall, but my aunt, the abbess, is sitting with my mother." "No, no," replied Wolff, "I only stopped in passing.

Besides, I am stealing even this brief time." "Business ?" asked the young girl.

"Do you know, I am beginning to be jealous of the monster which, like an old spider, constantly binds you closer and closer in its web.

What sort of dealing is this ?--to give the whole day to business, and only a few minutes of moonlight to your betrothed bride! "I wish it were otherwise," sighed Wolff.

"You do not know how hard these times are, Els! Nor how many thoughts beset my brain, since my father has placed me in charge of all his new enterprises." "Always something new," replied Els, with a shade of reproach in her tone.