“Is n't it droll to think we 'd be writing to the first in the land, and an old toy-maker sitting beside the fire all the time,” said Dalton, as he shook his head thoughtfully, in the firm conviction that he had uttered a very wise and profound remark. “Well well well! Life is a queer thing!”
“Is it not stranger still that we should have won the friendship of poor Hanserl than have attracted the notice of Lady Hester?” said Nelly. “Is it not a prouder thought that we have drawn towards us from affectionate interest the kindness that has no touch of condescension?”
“I hope you are not comparing the two,” said Dalton, angrily. “What's the creature muttering to himself?”
“It 'B Gretchen's song he 's trying to remember,” said Kate.
“Nach ihm nur schau' ich
Zum Feuster hinaus!”
said Hans, in a low, distinct voice. “'Was kommt nach,' what comes next, Fraulein?”
“You must ask sister Nelly, Hanserl,” said Kate; but Nelly was standing behind the massive stove, her face covered with her hands.
“Zum Fenster hinaus,” repeated he, slowly; “and then, Fraulein? and then?”
“Tell him, Nelly; tell him what follows.”
“Nach ihm nur schau' ich
Zum Fenster hinaus;
Nach ihm nur geh' ich
Aus dem Haus!”