"'Anna Maria is quiet, and looks badly,' I remarked; 'the work is too much for her.'
"He did not answer at once; then he said: 'She was always so still and cold, Aunt Rosamond.'
"'No, no, Stürmer, she is in trouble, she is worried about Klaus.'
"'Of all things in the world, that is a needless anxiety,' he returned, laughing. And evidently trying to get away from the subject, he asked: 'But where is Fräulein Mattoni?'
"'Nearer to you than you think, Edwin.'
"'With the old witch, her duenna?' he asked, with that indifference which involuntarily suggests the opposite quality.
"'Yes; the old woman is ill and Susanna is taking care of her. Eh bien, you will come, of course, to our harvest festival? Anna Maria intends to celebrate it very quietly, quite entre nous; but you must come, Edwin.'
"'What?' he asked, absently.
"'For pity's sake, tell me where your thoughts are hiding?' I scolded, irritably.
"He laughed, and kissed my hand. 'Pardon, Fräulein Rosamond, I was still thinking about Klaus.'