But she looked up from her work from time to time, and seemed pleased that Bernardine still stayed with her.

At last the old mother came to say that the coffee was ready, and Bernardine followed her into the parlour.
She watched Bernardine drinking the coffee, and finally poured herself out a cup too.
"This is the first time Herr Allitsen has ever brought a friend," she said.

"He has always been alone.

Fraeulein is betrothed to Herr Allitsen-- is that so?
Ah, I am glad.

He is so good and, so kind." Bernardine stopped drinking her coffee.
"No, I am not betrothed," she said cheerily.