Both brothers solemnly embraced their father, and the young lady visitor bent down and kissed first his hand and then his forehead. Then they greeted the twins, who in their black dresses were looking fresher and sweeter than ever. They had overlooked Paul, who stood at the door and fingered his cap in confusion.
At last Gottfried asked, “Where is our brother?”
Then he stepped shyly forward and stretched out his hand.
Three pairs of eyes rested on him searchingly.
“If I were but once outside!” he thought, and as soon as he could get away he went out to work in the stables.
Gottfried followed him thither. Paul was alarmed when he saw him come, for he did not know what he should talk about to this aristocratic man.
“Dear brother,” the latter said, “I have a favor to ask you. Could you not provide a brighter room for my betrothed? She feels herself rather crowded in the girls’ room.”
“I will give her my attic,” said Paul.
“You would oblige me if you would do that.”
Then he addressed a few more questions to him about their mother’s illness, about the cattle, and about the mortgage which lay on the estate.