"So they do mean something special?" Fritz asked eagerly. He couldn't get over his enthusiasm.
"Yes, my boy."
"And may one know…."
"Surely, one may know. I give these lilies to that lady whose lofty purity transcends all doubt—I give them as a symbol of my chaste and desireless admiration."
Fritz's eyes shone.
"Ah, but I'd like to know a lady like that—some day!" he cried and pressed his hands to his forehead.
"That will come! That will come!" Niebeldingk tapped the youth's shoulder calmingly.
"Will you have some salad?"
Chapter III.
Around the hour of afternoon tea Niebeldingk, true to a dear, old habit, went to see his friend.