There was nothing for it but to return home, and spend the rest of my life at Skernford. I was in a mood in which I could smile. I smiled at the idea of myself growing older and older, and this six weeks that I had spent fading back and back into the distance, and the people into whose lives I had a cursory glance going on their way, and soon forgetting my existence. Truly, Anna! if you were anxious for me to be miserable, this moment, could you know it, should be sweet to you!
My hands clasped themselves more closely upon my lap, and I sat staring at nothing, vaguely, until a shadow before me caused me to look up. Without knowing it, von Francius had come in, and was standing by, looking at me.
“Good-morning!” said I, with a vast effort, partially collecting my scattered thoughts.
“Are you ready for your lesson, mein Fräulein?”
“N—no. I think, Herr Direktor, I will not take any lesson to-day, if you will excuse it.”
“But why? Are you ill?”
“No,” said I. “At least—perhaps I want to accustom myself to do without music lessons.”
“So?”
“Yes, and without many other pleasant things,” said I, wryly and decidedly.