"What did she tell you, Herr Lassen?" asked Nessa, her eyes twinkling. "Of course we're all anxious to hear—if you don't mind telling us, that is."
"I don't mind in the least. It's not a nice story;" and I told them as shortly as possible. Nessa had to hide her face from the Countess when I spoke of my offer of marriage, and Rosa covered her laughter under a pretence of indignation.
"You seem to have forgotten our engagement very easily, Johann!"
"Oh no. She reminded me of it; but of course she has the first claim."
"Indeed!" she cried, tossing her head.
But her mother took it seriously. "I think you were right, Johann, and I'm thankful you had sufficient manly spirit," she declared, making me feel no end of a hypocrite.
"And when are you to be married, Herr Lassen?" asked Nessa, with mischief in look and tone.
"It is not yet definitely settled."
"And your child?" chipped Rosa.
"There was a mistake there. She admitted afterwards that the child is neither hers nor mine."