"And what is this—this great monster with so many teeth?" she asked, running to the piano.
Katharina told her the name of the "monster," and, seating herself in front of the "teeth," began to play.
Marie was in an ecstasy of delight.
"How happy you ought to be, little mama, to be able to make such beautiful music!" she cried, when Katharina turned again toward her.
"You shall learn to play, too; Fräulein Lotti will teach you."
For this promise Marie ran to Fräulein Lotti and embraced her.
While at dinner Marie suddenly remembered that she had not yet seen the little water-monster, and inquired about him.
The baroness told her that the boy had gone back to his fish companions in the lake; then asked: "But where did you ever see the creature?"
Marie hesitated a moment before replying; a natural modesty forbade her from confessing to Ludwig's betrothed wife that he had taught her how to swim, and had always accompanied her on her swimming excursions in his canoe.
"I saw him once with you in the park, when I was looking through the telescope," she answered, with some confusion.