"Her eyes suddenly filled with tears. 'Yes, it is all the same if I die here!' she replied.
"'Oh, don't believe any such thing, Susy,' I said jestingly. 'You must live for your child; you are exhausted by all this dreadful affair; the winter will soon be over.'
"At this juncture Anna Maria entered. 'How are you feeling, Susanna?' she asked kindly.
"'I am ill,' sobbed the young wife; 'very ill! I shall stifle yet in these overheated rooms; I have not your sound lungs.'
"Anna Maria looked down at her in astonishment. 'I am very sorry for that,' she said sympathetically.
"Oh, if Klaus were only alive, he would have gone south with me long ago!' cried Susanna; and Isa shook her head doubtfully.
"That was Anna Maria's weak spot. 'Dear Susanna,' she said tenderly, 'if it is necessary, then go. I know that you are delicate, that you have a cough; let us consult with the doctor to-morrow, and decide where. And then we will pack you both up and——'
"'Both?' asked Susanna. 'That is just it; I cannot take the baby with me!'
"'And you cannot make up your mind to part from him?' Anna Maria asked hesitatingly.
"'No, no!' sobbed Susanna.