Laura, in her delight at this account, looked up, from her handkerchief. Her cheeks were suffused with color. There was a roguish smile in her eyes.
Ilse looked at the beaming countenance and, as she spoke, guessed that she was the giver.
Laura bent down to kiss her hand, but Ilse raised the curly head, threatening her with her finger and kissing her.
"You are not angry with me," said Laura, "for being so bold?"
"It was very sweet and kind of you, but you must know that it caused us a great deal of uneasiness. The Doctor discovered you, but he did not tell us your name."
"The Doctor?" exclaimed Laura, starting up. "Must that man always interfere where I am concerned!"
"He kept your secret faithfully. Now I may tell my husband all about it, may I not? but, between ourselves, he was very much displeased for a time."
This was a triumph for Laura. Again she seated herself at Ilse's feet and archly begged her to relate what the Professor had said.
"That would not be right," answered Ilse, gravely; "that is his secret."
Thus an hour passed in pleasant talk till the clock struck, and Ilse rose hastily. "My husband will wonder where I have disappeared to," said she. "You are a dear girl. If you like we will become good friends."