When poor Catharina was betrothed five years ago, it was to Herr Allitsen we first told the good news.

He has a wonderful way about him--just look at him with Catharina now.

She has not noticed any one for months, but she knows him, you see." At that moment the other members of the household came: Liza, Fritz, and Truedchen; Liza, a maiden of nineteen, of the homely Swiss type; Fritz, a handsome lad of fourteen; and Truedchen, just free from school, with her school-satchel swung on her back.

There was no shyness in their greeting; the Disagreeable Man was evidently an old and much-loved friend, and inspired confidence, not awe.

Truedchen fumbled in his coat pocket, and found what she expected to find there, some sweets, which she immediately began to eat, perfectly contented and self-satisfied.