"Only a moment," he begged, and gently drew her away with him. "You must have a little fresh air. All the others think only of Ernestine. I am here to take care of you, and to see that you do not overtask your strength. Come, take a few turns with me in the garden."
"As you please," said the girl meekly.
"Not as I please, Gretchen. You must not talk in that way. I do not like it." He threw a shawl over her shoulders, and gave her his arm. Together they went down into the garden.
"This garden," said Gretchen, "reminds me of ours at the pension."
"Were you happy there?" asked her companion.
"Oh, very! I had so many kind teachers and companions!"
"It must be very hard for you to leave such a home."
"My home now is with Ernestine. I am content only by her bedside. I wish for nothing else. I do not choose to wish for anything else."
Hilsborn broke off a fading acacia-sprig from the tree.
"Give it to me?" said Gretchen. "I will try whether Ernestine will recover or not." And she pulled off the leaves, one after another. "Yes,--no,--yes,--no. Yes, she will get well!"