CHAPTER V.
OPPRESSIVE AIR It seemed as if for several days a heavy atmosphere was weighing down the limbs of all Mrs.Maxa's household, so that its wonted cheerfulness was entirely absent.

Even the mother went about more silently than usual, for the worry about Bruno's future weighed heavily on her heart.

She had written to her brother to come to her as soon as possible, so that they could talk the matter over and come to a united decision.

He had answered her that urgent business was forcing him to a journey to South Germany, and that it would be time enough to settle the matter after his return.

Bruno, having heard about the situation, was already wrought up by the mere possibility of his being obliged to live with the two boys.
Secretly he was already making the wildest plans in order to escape such an intolerable situation.