"You are Fräulein Erwing?"
"That is my name. With whom have I the honor of speaking?"
"I have come on an errand from her Highness the princess."
Cornelia gazed dreamily into eyes whose blue vied with the ribbons on the stranger's hat.
"Her Highness wishes to make your acquaintance, and begs you to pay her a visit to-morrow afternoon at four o'clock."
The young girl's voice trembled slightly, and she looked expectantly at Cornelia. The latter stood motionless with amazement, almost terror. What did Ottilie want of her? Röschen--for she alone could execute this confidential commission--was unable to turn her eyes from the noble figure its sweeping black robes.
"Can you not at least tell what has procured me the great happiness of being permitted to wait upon the princess?" asked Cornelia.
"No, Fräulein; I only know you will be received with the greatest kindness, and that only sincere interest induced the princess to see you."
"Say to her Highness that I am truly grateful to her, and that I will wait upon her to-morrow at the time appointed."
"Her Highness will be very glad. Farewell."