She was the only child of her parents, who in spite of outward indifference and apparent coldness adored her, and had never denied her anything.

The first fifteen years of her life were spent in her charming nest, in the beautiful house in the Lennestrasse, where she was born.

"When we return to Berlin you shall see how pleasant my home is.

I will show you my little blue sitting-room, my winter garden, my aviary, my parrots and blackbirds." A heavy trial had befallen her--the only trial that she had yet experienced.

She had been sent to England for the completion of her education, and had to suddenly part from all her home surroundings.