"A friendship which dates from childhood, as you were raised in the house of Dr. Volkmar?"
"Certainly; I lost my parents very early."
"Quite right; my brother-in-law told me so. And to what calling did your father belong?"
"He was a physician like my grandpapa," replied Marietta, more amused than surprised at this examination, the object of which she did not guess. "My mother was also the daughter of a physician--a whole medical family, is it not? Only I have taken a different course."
"Alas, yes," said Frau von Eschenhagen with emphasis.
The young girl looked at her with surprise. Was that a jest? The mien of the lady was not at all mirthful, though, as she continued: "You will admit, my child, that if one has the good fortune to come from an honorable and respected family, one ought to show oneself worthy of it. You ought to have chosen your vocation accordingly."
"Mon Dieu! but I could not study medicine like my father and grandfather," exclaimed Marietta, breaking into an amused laugh. The affair gave her endless fun, but the remark displeased her stern judge, who replied with considerable sharpness:
"There are, God be thanked, plenty of proper vocations for a young girl. You are a singer?"
"Yes, gracious lady, at the Court Theatre."
"I know it. Are you disposed to accept a dismissal?"