"Oh, stay; pray stay!" Benno exclaimed, with a comical look of alarm. "I am so comfortable here in the corner with you, and if you go I shall be obliged to talk to some of these celebrities, to whom I positively have nothing whatever to say."
Gronau laughed and stayed, but it was of no avail. Gersdorf, with Frau Molly upon his arm, made his appearance, and Elmhorst came hurrying towards them to carry off the luckless host, since the distinguished party were getting into the carriages to drive to the villa, where Alice was waiting to receive them. She was still a delicate creature in appearance, although in perfect health, and she had never lost a certain maidenly shyness of manner which was her great charm. The dignity of the household was admirably maintained by Frau von Lasberg, who had never left her former pupil.
The entertainment to-day left nothing to be desired. Poor Benno finally made his speech; of course he all but broke down in it, but it was fortunately just at the end, and Wolfgang at the critical moment signed to the musicians to strike up.
An hour afterwards the guests departed, conducted to the station by Elmhorst and his wife, who were, however, to return to pass several days with Reinsfeld and Alice at the villa.
Benno betook himself to the nursery, where the young mother was seated beside the cradle of their little daughter. He carried in his hand a bunch of Alpine roses: "It is Midsummer-eve, Alice; I had to bring you the wonted bouquet."
"Did you really remember it in all the confusion of the day?" the young mother asked, with a smile.
One never forgets a prophecy of happiness, least of all when it has been fulfilled. He handed her the flowers with,--
"Do not refuse it,--
Our offering of flowers,
And midsummer's blessings