The girls were introduced to Herr Von Barwig. "And this is Hélène's romance," thought Octavie, as she looked at Von Barwig and laughed aloud. Von Barwig thought she was a very pleasant young lady, and smiled back in return.
"I should like Charlotte to study for the next two years, Herr Von Barwig, and Octavie till about June," said Mrs. Cruger, who was determined to get Herr Von Barwig to teach her nieces, since Hélène had recommended him so highly.
"I don't want to study at all," said Octavie. "Who ever heard of an engaged girl studying?"
"And pray, am I not an engaged girl, as you call it?" asked Hélène, who was pouring out tea. "And do I not study?"
"Yes, but you're an accomplished musician and——"
"One lump or two, Herr Von Barwig?" broke in Hélène, to change the conversation.
"No lumps! Yes, thank you, I take one," said Von Barwig, somewhat confused by the incessant chatter of the young ladies, who smiled at his awkwardness.
"Cake, Herr Von Barwig?" Hélène held out the dish to her music master.
"No, thank you," he replied quietly, and then catching an appealing look from her, he took a cake, and then another.
"The idea of waiting on a music master," whispered Octavie to Charlotte; "she'll spoil him."