She remained standing near her father,--and, when the sound of their footsteps had died away, she drew closer still and laid her head against his breast.
"Cold, my bird ?" queried the old man.

"Why, thou art shivering, child!--and yet the sunshine is as warm as wine.

What ails thee ?" "Nothing, father!" And she raised her eyes, glowing and brilliant as stars.

"Tell me,--do you think often of my mother now!" "Often!" And Gueldmar's fine resolute face grew sad and tender.

"She is never absent from my mind! I see her night and day, ay! I can feel her soft arms clinging round my neck,--why dost thou ask so strange a question, little one?
Is it possible to forget what has been once loved ?" Thelma was silent for many minutes.