Bruno was standing in his room, surrounded by luggage of various shapes, when a servant announced his gracious mother-in-law.
"She here? And in spite of my prohibition?" thought he to himself. "Show her in," he said to the servant, who quickly threw open the folding-doors, and closed them again when the lady had entered. "Ah, my dear mother!" exclaimed Bruno, who was about to hurry forward to embrace her, but she coolly offered him her hand and said:
"No, no," and then, seating herself on a sofa, she continued:
"Draw near; take a seat."
"Do you know--?" inquired Bruno.
"I know all; you need tell me nothing."
"I thank you for coming to offer me your sympathy."
"I'm delighted--I meant to say that I feel comforted to find you so composed. Arabella knows nothing as yet?"
"No."
"Nor need she know of it.--What is the meaning of all this luggage?"