"With your consent, child?--Gertrude?"
"With my consent, mamma," repeated the young girl, a clear, bright crimson staining the beautiful face.
Mrs. Baumhagen said not another word, but began to cry bitterly.
"When did you permit him to write to me?" she asked, after a long pause, drying her eyes.
"Yesterday, mamma."
At this moment Jenny thrust her pretty blonde head in at the door.
"Jenny!" cried the mother, the tears again starting to her eyes, and the obstinate lines about the mouth coming out more distinctly.
"For Heaven's sake, what is the matter?" cried the young wife.
"Jenny, child! Gertrude is engaged!"
Mrs. Jenny recovered her composure at once. "Well," she cried, lightly, "is that so great a misfortune?"