She stamped her little foot and pouted charmingly, while her governess darted a shocked glance at the master of the house. It was high time for him to interpose his authority, since hers had failed so ignominiously. But Dernburg appeared not at all to share her sentiments, for he said with perfect composure:
"Well, if Maia insists upon it, you must let her have her way, Egbert! You are one of our family, you know."
Miss Friedberg did not trust her own ears--the permission of such a liberty appeared so monstrous to her, that she gathered up her forces for resistance.
"Herr Dernburg, I think----"
"What, Miss Friedberg?"
His question was only a short one, spoken quite composedly, but the governess instantly lost her desire to continue her opposition.
"I think that we had better station a servant on the terrace to let us know the moment the young gentleman's carriage comes in sight."
"You are right, pray give orders to that effect," said Dernburg: "but I think we had better go in now, for Eric may be belated likewise."
He moved towards the parlor, Maia with him, but she archly looked back over her shoulder.
"You have heard your orders, Master Engineer Runeck, and you are to obey on the spot, I tell you!"