Thick silk curtains shut out the bright May sunshine from the quiet room.

How warm and pleasant it was! She already saw herself in imagination kneeling by his side before the chest to help him search.

While doing so, his fingers might touch hers, perhaps her hair might brush against his.

But, instead of entering, he turned to her with careless unconcern, saying: "It is fortunate that I have found you alone.

Will you do me a favour, girl ?" He had intended to ask her to help him prepare a surprise for his aunt.
The day after to-morrow was Frau Sophia Schurstab's birthday.