"So, Rita, you have been entertaining our guest with the recital of the talents of our family?"
"She has done so, excellently; I have the liveliest interest in them, and am truly grateful to your daughter."
He looked at Rita with a lingering glance. She returned it. Their eyes met, and then she bowed silently and went into the music-room. Presently Schubert's "Wanderer," was heard, beautifully rendered.
"And ever longing asketh where!" was the sad, melancholy refrain. "Ever where!"
He shook his head as if to rid himself of a sad thought.
* * *
Dr. Weilen took leave, promising to come soon again. Both Mr. and Mrs. Benas had invited him to repeat his call. The other guests, who had gathered in the drawing-room, remained to chat a little more and enjoy a glass of Pilsener.
"You may say what you will, Benas, it is more congenial when we are by ourselves," said Mr. Freudenthal.
"You are too exclusive, Isi," said Mrs. Benas. "Surely I am the last who would plead for a mixed choir, since we have been plainly given to understand that our voices do not please; but there is nothing about Dr. Weilen that disturbs our company or seems strange. Even on the first evening he came, he struck the right note, and he seemed one of us. He really is at bottom. One cannot deny one's kin."
"But it took a long time for him to remember," Mr. Friedheim said ironically.