"You are quite right, my boy," he said, drawing the child towards him; "those are most valuable talents to possess; but is she never angry?" he asked, pointing to Elizabeth, who was enjoying like a child, Ernst's revelations, which seemed comical enough to her.
"No, never angry," replied the boy, "only serious sometimes, and then she always plays on the piano."
"But, Ernst——"
"Oh yes, Elsie," he interrupted her eagerly; "don't you remember when we were so poor in B——?"
"Ah, there you are right," she replied with composure; "but it was only when papa and mamma had to work so hard that we might have bread to eat; it was much better afterwards."
"But you still play on the piano?"
"Yes," answered Elizabeth laughing, "but no longer for the reason which Ernst gives. My father and mother are now provided for."
"And you?" Herr von Walde persisted.
"Oh, I? I am quite brave enough to fight life's battle and win my own independence in the struggle?"
"How do you propose to do it?"