But a few seconds elapsed before a little, crooked servant appeared at the side-door, with her dirty apron put aside by tucking the corner in her belt.

"Go to my daughter, and tell her to come down immediately!" The servant, instead of hastening to obey the order, remained standing upon the threshold.

"I dare not go," said she, in a hoarse, croaking voice.

"Fraulein told me not to disturb her to-day, for she has still two bouquets of flowers to arrange, and two lessons to give, and she is so busy that she is not at home to visitors.

She torments herself from morning till night." "I order you to tell Fraulein to come down at once; we have something important to tell her.