She hastily concealed the crumpled letter.
"Come in!" she answered, boldly; and her father, moving mechanically, with his stick in his hand, entered the room.

He came as he had dismounted from his horse, in his riding boots, and his broad felt hat caught by the same fingers that held the stick.
"You wished to see me, Hedwig," he said, coldly, depositing his hat upon the table.

Then, when he had slowly sat himself down in an arm-chair, he added, "Here I am." Hedwig had risen respectfully, and stood before him in the twilight.

"What do you wish to say ?" he asked in German.

"You do not often honour your father by requesting his society." Hedwig stood one moment in silence.