"Dear Betty, this is Mr.
Wohlfart." Anton saw at once that "dear Betty" had a nose of parchment, thin lips, and a most unpleasing countenance.

He bowed before her with the resigned air of a prisoner, while she began to cross-examine him as to who he was and whence he came, till his shyness was fast changing into annoyance, when Fink stepped in.
"My friend, proud lady, is half Slavonic, though he passionately protests against any doubts cast upon his German origin.

I recommend him to your kindness.

You have just given a proof of your talent for investigation, now give my friend the benefit of the gentle indulgence for which we all admire you." The ladies smiled, the gentlemen turned away to hide their laughter, and Betty sat there with ruffled feathers, like some small bird of prey whom a larger has robbed of its victim.
As for Anton, he was hurrying away into a corner to recover, when he felt a light tap on his arm, and heard a fresh young voice say, "Mr.
Wohlfart, do you not remember your old friend?
This is the second time that I have been obliged to speak first." Anton turned, and saw a tall, slight figure, with fair hair, and large dark blue eyes, smiling at him.

The expression of delight on his face was so unmistakable that Lenore could not help telling him how glad she too was to see him again.