Did she wish to warn or to challenge him?
Otto regarded it as a challenge, thrust his hand into the urn, and drew out number 33.

All were now provided.

The girls disappeared, and the folding-doors of the drawing-room were opened.
A dazzling light streamed toward the guests.

A splendid fir-tree, covered with burning tapers, and hung over with tinsel-gold, gilt eggs and apples, almonds and grapes, dazzled the eye.

On either side of the tree were grottoes of fir-trees and moss, hung with red and blue paper lamps.