"A benefactor to all," Ernestine repeated thoughtfully. "All the less should any one individual boast of his kindness,--a kindness shown to all, without respect of persons."
Leonhardt involuntarily turned his darkened eyes towards her as she spoke thus. "Go, Käthchen," he said, "Fräulein Ernestine will come by-and-by."
Käthchen went into the house, and, not finding Walter in the sitting-room, mounted to his study, in the upper story, just under the roof. She nestled up to his side and said, with an air of great mystery, "Only think! the lady of the castle has kissed me again!"
"Not possible!" laughed Walter. "And do you feel nothing queer?"
"Of course not," Käthchen cried in some confusion. "She can't bewitch me."
"I wouldn't like to try her," said Walter with an involuntary sigh. "I think, if I had been in your place, I should have felt the enchantment instantly."
"Why, you told me yourself there was no such thing," said Käthchen.
"Well, Käthi," said the young man, "it would be as well, perhaps, for the sake of precaution, that I should kiss off her kisses. Where was it?--here?"
"Yes, and here on my forehead, and on my shoulder."
"There, we will put an end to all that," cried Walter, as he kissed the child. "And now go down-stairs. I must work."