["Come, I'll say it and you must learn it by heart."]
["Do you think it was a little rabbit that made the noise?" asked Willi, frightened.]
[Dora marched behind with a wax taper and some cigars.]
["I suppose it is patrimony, my son," said Mr. Titus, patting Rolf's shoulder.]
[Dora and Paula returned to the garden arm in arm singing gaily.]
DORA
[CHAPTER I]
UNDER THE LINDEN TREES
IN A beautiful park in Karlsruhe, a gentleman was seen walking under the shady linden trees every sunny afternoon. The passers-by could not help being touched when they saw him leaning upon a little girl, his daily companion. He was apparently very ill, for they walked slowly and he carried in his right hand a cane, while he often took his left from the child's shoulder, inquiring affectionately, "Tell me, child, if I press on you too heavily."
But the little girl always drew back his hand and reassured him gladly, "I can hardly feel it, papa. Just lean on me as heavily as you want."