For I could not bear to have him angry with me.

I was really fond of him, dear, old Richard; and I looked so happy that I have no doubt he thought more of it than he ought.

He pulled all the pretty vases in the parlor to pieces: (Charlotte and Henrietta and his sister had arranged them with such care!) and made me a bouquet of ferns, and tea-roses, and lovely, lovely heliotrope.

I begged him to stop, but he went on till the flowers were all arranged and tied together, and no one came down-stairs till the spoilage was complete.
All this time Mr.Langenau was in the library--restless, pretending to read a book.

I saw him as we passed the door, but did not look again.
Presently we heard the sound of wheels.
"There," said Richard, feeling the weight of hospitality upon him, "Sophie isn't down.