"'Yes,' he replied, very red; 'I have been a little negligent, and affairs are in such a bad condition there a meeting of creditors is unavoidable. Platen has repeatedly urged me to come myself, in order to check the thing; you know my mortgage is the largest, but——'
"'And you have not gone, Klaus?' said Anna Maria reproachfully. 'Why?'
"'I shall start to-morrow morning,' he answered, shortly.
"She evidently did not understand him aright, but she went up to him and put her arms around his neck. 'Do not let a misunderstanding arise between us again, Klaus. Shall I act contrary to my conviction?'
"'No, no!' he replied in a hollow tone; 'I thank you.' But he did not draw her to him, he freed himself from her arms and left the room. Anna Maria stood motionless for a moment looking after him. Then she shook her head energetically, as if to ward off intrusive thoughts, and taking up her basket of keys went out too.
"Half an hour later we were sitting at the supper-table. Anna Maria had brought Klaus from his room; he looked disturbed and let his soup grow cold, and crumbled his bread between his fingers in a distracted manner.
"'Have you been to Susanna's room?' I asked Anna Maria.
"She nodded. 'I was in a hurry, but stopped at her door up-stairs, and called to ask what I should send her for supper. But I got no answer; she was probably asleep, so I closed the door softly and came away.'
"'And what do you intend to tell her as a pretext for her removal?' I asked further.
"'Her health is a sufficiently cogent reason, aunt,' replied Anna Maria.