CONTENTS
　　THEBIRDONITSJOURNEY，BeatriceHarradenKOOSJE：ASTUDYOFDUTCHLIFE，JohnStrangeWinterADOGOFFLANDERS，OuidaMARKHEIM，R。L。StevensonQUEENTITA’SWAGER，WilliamBlackTHEBIRDONITSJOURNEY
　　BY
　　BEATRICEHARRADEN
　　ItwasaboutfourintheafternoonwhenayounggirlcameintothesalonofthelittlehotelatC————inSwitzerland，anddrewherchairuptothefire。
　　"Youaresoakedthrough，"saidanelderlylady，whowasherselftryingtogetroasted。"Yououghttolosenotimeinchangingyourclothes。"
　　"Ihavenotanythingtochange，"saidtheyounggirl，laughing。"Oh，I
　　shallsoonbedry！"
　　"Haveyoulostallyourluggage？"askedthelady，sympathetically。
　　"No，"saidtheyounggirl;"Ihadnonetolose。"Andshesmiledalittlemischievously，asthoughsheknewbyinstinctthathercompanion’ssympathywouldatoncedegenerateintosuspicion！
　　"Idon’tmeantosaythatIhavenotaknapsack，"sheadded，considerately。"Ihavewalkedalongdistance——infact，fromZ————。"
　　"Andwheredidyouleaveyourcompanions？"askedthelady，withatouchofforgivenessinhervoice。
　　"Iamwithoutcompanions，justasIamwithoutluggage，"laughedthegirl。
　　Andthensheopenedthepiano，andstruckafewnotes。Therewassomethingcaressinginthewayinwhichshetouchedthekeys;whoevershewas，sheknewhowtomakesweetmusic;sadmusic，too，fullofthatundefinablelonging，liketheholdingoutofone’sarmstoone’sfriendsinthehopelessdistance。
　　Theladybendingoverthefirelookedupatthelittlegirl，andforgotthatshehadbroughtneitherfriendsnorluggagewithher。Shehesitatedforonemoment，andthenshetookthechildishfacebetweenherhandsandkissedit。
　　"Thankyou，dear，foryourmusic，"shesaid，gently。
　　"Thepianoisterriblyoutoftune，"saidthelittlegirl，suddenly;
　　andsheranoutoftheroom，andcamebackcarryingherknapsack。
　　"Whatareyougoingtodo？"askedhercompanion。
　　"Iamgoingtotunethepiano，"thelittlegirlsaid;andshetookatuning-hammeroutofherknapsack，andbeganherworkinrealearnest。
　　Sheevidentlyknewwhatshewasabout，andpeggedawayatthenotesasthoughherwholelifedependedupontheresult。
　　Theladybythefirewaslostinamazement。Whocouldshebe？Withoutluggageandwithoutfriends，andwithatuning-hammer！
　　Meanwhileoneofthegentlemenhadstrolledintothesalon;buthearingthesoundoftuning，andbeinginsecretpossessionofnerves，hefled，saying，"Thetuner，byJove！"
　　AfewminutesafterwardMissBlake，whosenerveswerenosecretpossession，hastenedintothesalon，and，inherusualimperiousfashion，demandedinstantsilence。
　　"Ihavejustdone，"saidthelittlegirl。"Thepianowassoterriblyoutoftune，Icouldnotresistthetemptation。"
　　MissBlake，whoneverlistenedtowhatanyonesaid，tookitforgrantedthatthelittlegirlwasthetunerforwhomM。leProprietairehadpromisedtosend;andhavingbestowedonheracondescendingnod，passedoutintothegarden，whereshetoldsomeofthevisitorsthatthepianohadbeentunedatlast，andthatthetunerwasayoungwomanofrathereccentricappearance。
　　"Really，itisquiteabominablehowwomenthrustthemselvesintoeveryprofession，"sheremarked，inhermasculinevoice。"Itissounfeminine，sounseemly。"
　　TherewasnothingofthefeminineaboutMissBlake;herhorse-clothdress，herwaistcoatandhighcollar，andherbillycockhatwereofthemasculinegenus;evenhernervescouldnotbecalledfeminine，sincewelearnfromtwoorthreedoctors（takenofftheirguard）thatnervesareneitherfemininenormasculine，butcommon。
　　"Ishouldliketoseethistuner，"saidoneofthetennis-players，leaningagainstatree。
　　"Hereshecomes，"saidMissBlake，asthelittlegirlwasseensaunteringintothegarden。
　　Themenputuptheireye-glasses，andsawalittleladywithachildishfaceandsoftbrownhair，ofstrictlyfeminineappearanceandbearing。Thegoatcametowardherandbegannibblingatherfrock。Sheseemedtounderstandthemannerofgoats，andplayedwithhimtohisheart’scontent。Oneofthetennisplayers，OswaldEverardbyname，strolleddowntothebankwhereshewashavingherfrolic。
　　"Good-afternoon，"hesaid，raisinghiscap。"Ihopethegoatisnotworryingyou。Poorlittlefellow！thisishislastdayofplay。Heistobekilledto-morrowfor/tabled’hote/。"
　　"Whatashame！"shesaid。"Fancytobekilled，andthengrumbledat！"
　　"Thatispreciselywhatwedohere，"hesaid，laughing。"Wegrumbleateverythingweeat。AndIowntobeingoneofthegrumpiest;thoughtheladyinthehorse-clothdressyonderfollowscloseuponmyheels。"
　　"ShewastheladywhowasannoyedatmebecauseItunedthepiano，"
　　thelittlegirlsaid。"Still，ithadtobedone。Itwasplainlymyduty。Iseemedtohavecomeforthatpurpose。"
　　"Ithasbeenconfoundedlyannoyinghavingitoutoftune，"hesaid。
　　"I’vehadtogiveupsingingaltogether。Butwhatastrangeprofessionyouhavechosen！Veryunusual，isn’tit？"
　　"Why，surelynot，"sheanswered，amused。"Itseemstomethateveryotherwomanhastakentoit。Thewondertomeisthatanyoneeverscoresasuccess。Nowadays，however，noonecouldamassahugefortuneoutofit。"
　　"Noone，indeed！"repliedOswaldEverard，laughing。"Whatonearthmadeyoutaketoit？"
　　"Ittooktome，"shesaidsimply。"Itwrappedmeroundwithenthusiasm。Icouldthinkofnothingelse。IvowedthatIwouldrisetothetopofmyprofession。Iworkeddayandnight。Butitmeansincessanttoilforyearsifonewantstomakeanyheadway。"
　　"Goodgracious！Ithoughtitwasmerelyamatterofafewmonths，"hesaid，smilingatthelittlegirl。
　　"Afewmonths！"sherepeated，scornfully。"Youarespeakingthelanguageofanamateur。No;onehastoworkfaithfullyyearafteryear;tograspthepossibilities，andpassontogreaterpossibilities。Youimaginewhatitmustfeelliketotouchthenotes，andknowthatyouarekeepingthelistenersspellbound;thatyouaretakingthemintoafairy-landofsound，wherepettypersonalityislostinvaguelongingandregret。"
　　"IconfessIhadnotthoughtofitinthatway，"hesaid，humbly。"I
　　haveonlyregardeditasanecessaryevery-dayevil;andtobequitehonestwithyou，Ifailtoseenowhowitcaninspireenthusiasm。I
　　wishIcouldsee，"headded，lookingupattheengaginglittlefigurebeforehim。
　　"Nevermind，"shesaid，laughingathisdistress;"Iforgiveyou。And，afterall，youarenottheonlypersonwholooksuponitasanecessaryevil。Mypooroldguardianabominatedit。Hemademanysacrificestocomeandlistentome。HeknewIlikedtoseehiskindoldface，andthatthepresenceofarealfriendinspiredmewithconfidence。"
　　"Ishouldnothavethoughtitwasnervouswork，"hesaid。
　　"Tryitandsee，"sheanswered。"Butsurelyyouspokeofsinging。Areyounotnervouswhenyousing？"
　　"Sometimes，"hereplied，ratherstiffly。"Butthatisslightlydifferent。"（Hewasveryproudofhissinging，andmadeagreatfussaboutit。）"Yourprofession，asIremarkedbefore，isanunavoidablenuisance。WhenIthinkwhatIhavesufferedfromthegentlemenofyourprofession，IonlywonderthatIhaveanybrainsleft。ButIamuncourteous。"
　　"No，no，"shesaid;"letmehearaboutyoursufferings。"
　　"WheneverIhavespeciallywantedtobequiet，"hesaid——andthenheglancedatherchildishlittleface，andhehesitated。"Itseemssorudeofme，"headded。Hewasthesoulofcourtesy，althoughhewasanamateurtenorsinger。
　　"Pleasetellme，"thelittlegirlsaid，inherwinningway。
　　"Well，"hesaid，gatheringhimselftogether，"itistheonesubjectonwhichIcanbeeloquent。EversinceIcanremember，Ihavebeenworriedandtorturedbythoserascals。Ihavetriedineverywaytoescapefromthem，butthereisnohopeforme。Yes;Ibelievethatallthetunersintheuniverseareinleagueagainstme，andhavemarkedmeoutfortheirspecialprey。"
　　"/Allthewhat/？"askedthelittlegirl，withajerkinhervoice。
　　"Allthetuners，ofcourse，"hereplied，rathersnappishly。"Iknowthatwecannotdowithoutthem;butgoodheavens！theyhavenotact，noconsideration，nomercy。WheneverI’vewantedtowriteorreadquietly，thatfatalknockhascomeatthedoor，andI’veknownbyinstinctthatallchanceofpeacewasover。WheneverI’vebeengivingaluncheonparty，thetunerhasarrived，withhisabominableblackbag，andhisabominablecardwhichhastobesignedatonce。OnoneoccasionIwasjustproposingtoagirlinherfather’slibrarywhenthetunerstruckupinthedrawing-room。Ileftoffsuddenly，andfledfromthehouse。Butthereisnoescapefromthesefiends;Ibelievetheyareswarmingaboutintheairlikesomanybacteria。Andhow，inthenameofgoodness，youshoulddeliberatelychoosetobeoneofthem，andshouldbesoenthusiasticoveryourwork，puzzlesmebeyondallwords。Don’tsaythatyoucarryablackbag，andpresentcardswhichhavetobefilledupatthemostinconvenienttime;don’t——"
　　Hestoppedsuddenly，forthelittlegirlwasconvulsedwithlaughter。
　　Shelaugheduntilthetearsrolleddownhercheeks，andthenshedriedhereyesandlaughedagain。
　　"Excuseme，"shesaid;"Ican’thelpmyself;it’ssofunny。"
　　"Itmaybefunnytoyou，"hesaid，laughinginspiteofhimself;"butitisnotfunnytome。"
　　"Ofcourseitisn’t，"shereplied，makingadesperateefforttobeserious。"Well，tellmesomethingmoreaboutthesetuners。"
　　"Notanotherword，"hesaid，gallantly。"Iamashamedofmyselfasitis。Cometotheendofthegarden，andletmeshowyoutheviewdownintothevalley。"
　　Shehadconqueredherfitofmerriment，butherfaceworeasettledlookofmischief，andshewasevidentlythepossessorofsomesecretjoke。Sheseemedincapitalhealthandspirits，andhadsomuchtosaythatwasbrightandinterestingthatOswaldEverardfoundhimselfbecomingreconciledtothewholeraceoftuners。HewasamazedtolearnthatshehadwalkedallthewayfromZ————，andquitealone，too。
　　"Oh，Idon’tthinkanythingofthat，"shesaid;"Ihadasplendidtime，andIcaughtfourrarebutterflies。Iwouldnothavemissedthoseforanything。Asforthegoingaboutbymyself，thatisasecondnature。Besides，Idonotbelongtoanyone。Thathasitsadvantages，andIsupposeitsdisadvantages;butatpresentIhaveonlydiscoveredtheadvantages。Thedisadvantageswilldiscoverthemselves！"
　　"Ibelieveyouarewhatthenovelscallanadvancedyoungwoman，"hesaid。"Perhapsyougivelecturesonwoman’ssuffrage，orsomethingofthatsort？"
　　"Ihaveveryoftenmountedtheplatform，"sheanswered。"Infact，Iamneversohappyaswhenaddressinganimmenseaudience。Amostunfemininethingtodo，isn’tit？Whatwouldtheladyyonderinthehorse-clothdressandbillycockhatsay？Don’tyouthinkyououghttogoandhelpherdriveawaythegoat？Shelookssofrightened。Sheinterestsmedeeply。Iwonderwhethershehaswrittenanessayonthefeminineinwoman。Ishouldliketoreadit;itwoulddomesomuchgood。"
　　"Youareatleastatruewoman，"hesaid，laughing，"forIseeyoucanbespiteful。Thetuninghasnotdriventhataway。"
　　"Ah，Ihadforgottenaboutthetuning，"sheanswered，brightly;"butnowyouremindme，Ihavebeenseizedwithagreatidea。"
　　"Won’tyoutellittome？"heasked。
　　"No，"sheanswered;"Ikeepmygreatideasformyself，andworkthemoutinsecret。Andthisoneisparticularlyamusing。WhatfunIshallhave！"
　　"Butwhykeepthefuntoyourself？"hesaid。"Weallwanttobeamusedhere;weallwanttobestirredup;alittlefunwouldbeacharity。"
　　"Verywell，sinceyouwishit，youshallbestirredup，"sheanswered;
　　"butyoumustgivemetimetoworkoutmygreatidea。Idonothurryaboutthings，notevenaboutmyprofessionalduties;forIhaveastrongfeelingthatitisvulgartobealwaysamassingriches！AsI
　　haveneitherahusbandnorabrothertosupport，Ihavechosenlesswealth，andmoreleisuretoenjoyallthelovelinessoflife！SoyouseeItakemytimeabouteverything。Andto-morrowIshallcatchbutterfliesatmyleisure，andlieamongthedearoldpines，andworkatmygreatidea。"
　　"Ishallcatchbutterflies，"saidhercompanion;"andItooshalllieamongthedearoldpines。"
　　"Justasyouplease，"shesaid;andatthatmomentthe/tabled’hote/
　　bellrang。
　　Thelittlegirlhastenedtothebureau，andspokerapidlyinGermantothecashier。
　　"/Ach，Fraulein/！"hesaid。"Youarenotreallyserious？"
　　"Yes，Iam，"shesaid。"Idon’twantthemtoknowmyname。Itwillonlyworryme。SayIamtheyoungladywhotunedthepiano。"
　　ShehadscarcelygiventhesedirectionsandmountedtoherroomwhenOswaldEverard，whowasmuchinterestedinhismysteriouscompanion，cametothebureau，andaskedforthenameofthelittlelady。
　　"/EsistdasFrauleinwelchesdasPianogestimmthat/，"answeredtheman，returningwithunusualquicknesstohisaccount-book。
　　Noonespoketothelittlegirlat/tabled’hote/，butforallthatsheenjoyedherdinner，andgaveherseriousattentiontoallthecourses。Beingthussolidlyoccupied，shehadnotmuchleisuretobestowontheconversationoftheotherguests。Norwasitspeciallyoriginal;ittreatedoftheshort-comingsofthechef，thetastelessnessofthesoup，thetoughnessofthebeef，andallthemanyfailingswhichgotocompleteamountainhoteldinner。Butsuddenly，soitseemedtothelittlegirl，thistime-honouredtalkpassedintoanotherphase;sheheardtheword"music"mentioned，andshebecameatonceinterestedtolearnwhatthesepeoplehadtosayonasubjectwhichwasdearertoherthananyother。
　　"Formyownpart，"saidastern-lookingoldman，"Ihavenowordstodescribewhatagraciouscomfortmusichasbeentomeallmylife。Itisthenoblestlanguagewhichmanmayunderstandandspeak。AndI
　　sometimesthinkthatthosewhoknowit，orknowsomethingofit，areableatraremomentstofindananswertolife’sperplexingproblems。"
　　Thelittlegirllookedupfromherplate。RobertBrowning’swordsrosetoherlips，butshedidnotgivethemutterance：
　　GodhasafewofuswhomHewhispersintheear;
　　Therestmayreason，andwelcome;’tiswemusiciansknow。
　　"Ihavelivedthroughalonglife，"saidanotherelderlyman，"andhavethereforehadmyshareoftrouble;butthegriefofbeingobligedtogiveupmusicwasthegriefwhichheldmelongest，orwhichperhapshasneverleftme。Istillcraveforthegraciouspleasureoftouchingoncemorethestringsofthevioloncello，andhearingthedear，tendervoicesingingandthrobbing，andansweringeventosuchpoorskillasmine。Istillyearntotakemypartinconcertedmusic，andbeoneofthoseprivilegedtoplayBeethoven’sstring-quartettes。Butthatwillhavetobeinanotherincarnation，Ithink。"
　　Heglancedathisshrunkenarm，andthen，asthoughashamedofthisallusiontohisownpersonalinfirmity，headdedhastily：
　　"Butwhenthefirstpangofsuchapainisover，thereremainsthecomfortofbeingalistener。Atfirstonedoesnotthinkitisacomfort;butastimegoesonthereisnoresistingitsmagicinfluence。AndLowellsaidrightlythat’oneofGod’sgreatcharitiesismusic。’"
　　"Ididnotknowyouweremusical，Mr。Keith，"saidanEnglishlady。
　　"Youhaveneverbeforespokenofmusic。"
　　"Perhapsnot，madam，"heanswered。"Onedoesnotoftenspeakofwhatonecaresformostofall。ButwhenIaminLondonIrarelymisshearingourbestplayers。"
　　Atthispointothersjoinedin，andthevariousmeritsofeminentpianistswerewarmlydiscussed。
　　"WhatawonderfulnamethatlittleEnglishladyhasmadeforherself！"
　　saidthemajor，whowasconsideredanauthorityonallsubjects。I
　　wouldgoanywheretohearMissThyraFlowerdew。Wealloughttobeveryproudofher。ShehastakeneventheGermanmusicalworldbystorm，andtheysayherrecitalsatParishavebeenbrilliantlysuccessful。ImyselfhaveheardheratNewYork，Leipsic，London，Berlin，andevenChicago。"
　　Thelittlegirlstirreduneasilyinherchair。
　　"Idon’tthinkMissFlowerdewhaseverbeentoChicago，"shesaid。
　　Therewasadeadsilence。TheadmirerofMissThyraFlowerdewlookedmuchannoyed，andtwiddledhiswatch-chain。Hehadmeanttosay"Philadelphia，"buthedidnotthinkitnecessarytoowntohismistake。
　　"Whatimpertinence！"saidoneoftheladiestoMissBlake。"Whatcansheknowaboutit？Isshenottheyoungpersonwhotunedthepiano？"
　　"PerhapsshetunesMissThyraFlowerdew’spiano！"suggestedMissBlake，inaloudwhisper。
　　"Youareright，madam，"saidthelittlegirl，quietly。"IhaveoftentunedMissFlowerdew’spiano。"
　　Therewasanotherembarrassingsilence;andthenalovelyoldlady，whomeveryonereverenced，cametotherescue。
　　"Ithinkherplayingissimplysuperb，"shesaid。"NothingthatIeverhearsatisfiesmesoentirely。Shehasallthetendernessofanangel’stouch。"
　　"Listeningtoher，"saidthemajor，whohadnowrecoveredfromhisannoyanceatbeinginterrupted，"onebecomesunconsciousofherpresence，forshe/isthemusicitself/。Andthatisrare。Itisbutseldomnowadaysthatweareallowedtoforgetthepersonalityoftheplayer。Andyetherpersonalityisanunusualone;havingonceseenher，itwouldnotbeeasytoforgether。Ishouldrecogniseheranywhere。"
　　Ashespoke，heglancedatthelittletuner，andcouldnothelpadmiringherdignifiedcomposureundercircumstanceswhichmighthavebeendistressingtoanyone;andwhensherosewiththeothershefollowedher，andsaidstiffly：
　　"IregretthatIwastheindirectcauseofputtingyouinanawkwardposition。"
　　"Itisreallyofnoconsequence，"shesaid，brightly。"IfyouthinkI
　　wasimpertinent，Iaskyourforgiveness。Ididnotmeantobeofficious。ThewordswerespokenbeforeIwasawareofthem。"
　　Shepassedintothesalon，whereshefoundaquietcornerforherself，andreadsomeofthenewspapers。Noonetooktheslightestnoticeofher;notawordwasspokentoher;butwhensherelievedthecompanyofherpresenceherimpertinencewascommentedon。
　　"IamsorrythatsheheardwhatIsaid，"remarkedMissBlake;"butshedidnotseemtomind。Theseyoungwomenwhogooutintotheworldlosetheedgeoftheirsensitivenessandfemininity。Ihavealwaysobservedthat。"
　　"Howmuchtheyaresparedthen！"answeredsomeone。
　　Meanwhilethelittlegirlsleptsoundly。Shehadmerrydreams，andfinallywokeuplaughing。Shehurriedoverherbreakfast，andthenstoodreadytogoforabutterflyhunt。Shelookedthoroughlyhappy，andevidentlyhadfound，andwasholdingtightly，thekeytolife’senjoyment。
　　OswaldEverardwaswaitingonthebalcony，andheremindedherthatheintendedtogowithher。
　　"Comealongthen，"sheanswered;"wemustnotloseamoment。"
　　Theycaughtbutterflies;theypickedflowers;theyran;theylingeredbythewayside;theysang;theyclimbed，andhemarvelledathereasyspeed。Nothingseemedtotireher，andeverythingseemedtodelighther——theflowers，thebirds，theclouds，thegrasses，andthefragranceofthepinewoods。
　　"Isitnotgoodtolive？"shecried。"Isitnotsplendidtotakeinthescentedair？Drawinasmanylongbreathsasyoucan。Isn’titgood？Don’tyoufeelnowasthoughyouwerereadytomovemountains？I
　　do。WhatadearoldnurseNatureis！Howshepetsus，andgivesusthebestofhertreasures！"
　　HerhappinessinvadedOswaldEverard’ssoul，andhefeltlikeaschool-boyoncemore，rejoicinginafinedayandhisliberty，withnothingtospoilthefreshnessoftheair，andnothingtothreatenthefreedomofthemoment。
　　"Isitnotgoodtolive？"hecried。"Yes，indeeditis，ifweknowhowtoenjoy。"
　　Theyhadcomeuponsomehaymakers，andthelittlegirlhasteneduptohelpthem，laughingandtalkingtothewomen，andhelpingthemtopileupthehayontheshouldersofabroad-backedman，whothenconveyedhisburdentoapear-shapedstack。OswaldEverardwatchedhiscompanionforamoment，andthen，quiteforgettinghisdignityasanamateurtenorsinger，hetoolenthisaid，anddidnotleaveoffuntilhiscompanionsankexhaustedontheground。
　　"Oh，"shelaughed，"whatdelightfulworkforaveryshorttime！Comealong;letusgointothatbrownchatletyonderandaskforsomemilk。
　　Iamsimplyparchedwiththirst。Thankyou，butIprefertocarrymyownflowers。"
　　"Whatanindependentlittleladyyouare！"hesaid。
　　"Itisquitenecessaryinourprofession，Icanassureyou，"shesaid，withatoneofmischiefinhervoice。"Thatremindsmethatmyprofessionisevidentlynotlookeduponwithanyfavourbythevisitorsatthehotel。IamheartbrokentothinkthatIhavenotwontheesteemofthatladyinthebillycockhat。Whatwillshesaytoyouforcomingoutwithme？Andwhatwillshesayofmeforallowingyoutocome？Iwonderwhethershewillsay，’Howunfeminine！’IwishI
　　couldhearher！"
　　"Idon’tsupposeyoucare，"hesaid。"Youseemtobeawildlittlebird。"
　　"Idon’tcarewhatapersonofthatdescriptionsays，"repliedhiscompanion。
　　"Whatonearthmadeyoucontradictthemajoratdinnerlastnight？"heasked。"Iwasnotatthetable，butsomeonetoldmeoftheincident;
　　andIfeltverysorryaboutit。WhatcouldyouknowofMissThyraFlowerdew？"
　　"Well，consideringthatsheisinmyprofession，ofcourseIknowsomethingabouther，"saidthelittlegirl。
　　"Confounditall！"hesaid，ratherrudely。"Surelythereissomedifferencebetweenthebellows-blowerandtheorganist。"
　　"Absolutelynone，"sheanswered;"merelyavariationoftheoriginaltheme！"
　　Asshespokesheknockedatthedoorofthechalet，andaskedtheolddametogivethemsomemilk。Theysatinthe/Stube/，andthelittlegirllookedabout，andadmiredthespinning-wheelandthequaintchairsandthequeeroldjugsandthepicturesonthewalls。
　　"Ah，butyoushallseetheotherroom，"theoldpeasantwomansaid;
　　andsheledthemintoasmallapartmentwhichwasevidentlyintendedforastudy。Itboreevidencesofunusualtasteandcare，andonecouldseethatsomelovinghandhadbeentryingtomakeitarealsanctumofrefinement。Therewasevenasmallpiano。Acarvedbook-
　　rackwasfastenedtothewall。
　　Theolddamedidnotspeakatfirst;shegavehergueststimetorecoverfromtheastonishmentwhichshefelttheymustbeexperiencing;thenshepointedproudlytothepiano。
　　"Iboughtthatformydaughters，"shesaid，withastrangemixtureofsadnessandtriumph。"Iwantedtokeepthemathomewithme，andI
　　savedandsaved，andgotenoughmoneytobuythepiano。Theyhadalwayswantedtohaveone，andIthoughttheywouldthenstaywithme。
　　Theylikedmusicandbooks，andIknewtheywouldbegladtohavearoomoftheirownwheretheymightreadandplayandstudy;andsoI
　　gavethemthiscorner。"
　　"Well，mother，"askedthelittlegirl，"andwherearetheythisafternoon？"
　　"Ah，"sheansweredsadly，"theydidnotcaretostay;butitwasnaturalenough，andIwasfoolishtogrieve。Besides，theycometoseeme。"
　　"Andthentheyplaytoyou？"askedthelittlegirl，gently。
　　"Theysaythepianoisoutoftune，"theolddamesaid。"Idon’tknow。
　　Perhapsyoucantell。"
　　Thelittlegirlsatdowntothepiano，andstruckafewchords。
　　"Yes，"shesaid;"itisbadlyoutoftune。Givemethetuning-hammer。
　　Iamsorry，"sheadded，smilingatOswaldEverard，"butIcannotneglectmyduty。Don’twaitforme。"
　　"Iwillwaitforyou，"hesaid，sullenly;andhewentintothebalconyandsmokedhispipe，andtriedtopossesshissoulinpatience。
　　Whenshehadfaithfullydoneherworksheplayedafewsimplemelodies，suchassheknewtheoldwomanwouldloveandunderstand;
　　andsheturnedawaywhenshesawthatthelistener’seyesweremoist。
　　"Playonceagain，"theoldwomanwhispered。"Iamdreamingofbeautifulthings。"
　　Sothelittletunertouchedthekeysagainwithallthetendernessofanangel。
　　"Tellyourdaughters，"shesaid，assherosetosaygood-bye，"thatthepianoisnowingoodtune。Thentheywillplaytoyouthenexttimetheycome。"
　　"Ishallalwaysrememberyou，mademoiselle，"theoldwomansaid;and，almostunconsciously，shetookthechildishfaceandkissedit。
　　OswaldEverardwaswaitinginthehay-fieldforhiscompanion;andwhensheapologisedtohimforthislittleprofessionalintermezzo，asshecalledit，herecoveredfromhissulkinessandreadjustedhisnerves，whichthenoiseofthetuninghadsomewhatdisturbed。
　　"Itwasverygoodofyoutotunetheolddame’spiano，"hesaid，lookingatherwithrenewedinterest。
　　"Someonehadtodoit，ofcourse，"sheanswered，brightly，"andIamgladthechancefelltome。Whatacomfortitistothinkthatthenexttimethosedaughterscometoseehertheywillplaytoherandmakeherveryhappy！Poorolddear！"
　　"Youpuzzlemegreatly，"hesaid。"Icannotforthelifeofmethinkwhatmadeyouchooseyourcalling。Youmusthavemanygifts;anyonewhotalkswithyoumustseethatatonce。Andyouplayquitenicely，too。"
　　"Iamsorrythatmyprofessionsticksinyourthroat，"sheanswered。
　　"DobethankfulthatIamnothingworsethanatuner。ForImightbesomethingworse——asnob，forinstance。"
　　And，sospeaking，shedashedafterabutterfly，andlefthimtorecoverfromherwords。Hewasconsciousofhavingdeservedareproof;
　　andwhenatlastheovertookherhesaidasmuch，andaskedforherkindindulgence。
　　"Iforgiveyou，"shesaid，laughing。"YouandIarenotlookingatthingsfromthesamepointofview;butwehavehadasplendidmorningtogether，andIhaveenjoyedeveryminuteofit。Andto-morrowIgoonmyway。"
　　"Andto-morrowyougo，"herepeated。"Canitnotbethedayafterto-morrow？"
　　"Iamabirdofpassage，"shesaid，shakingherhead。"Youmustnotseektodetainme。Ihavetakenmyrest，andoffIgotootherclimes。"
　　Theyhadarrivedatthehotel，andOswaldEverardsawnomoreofhiscompanionuntiltheevening，whenshecamedownratherlatefor/tabled’hote/。Shehurriedoverherdinnerandwentintothesalon。Sheclosedthedoor，andsatdowntothepiano，andlingeredtherewithouttouchingthekeys;onceortwicesheraisedherhands，andthensheletthemrestonthenotes，and，halfunconsciously，theybegantomoveandmakesweetmusic;andthentheydriftedintoSchumann’s"Abendlied，"andthenthelittlegirlplayedsomeofhis"Kinderscenen，"andsomeofhis"FantasieStucke，"andsomeofhissongs。
　　Hertouchandfeelingwereexquisite，andherphrasingbetrayedthetruemusician。Thestrainsofmusicreachedthedining-room，and，onebyone，theguestscamecreepingin，movedbythemusicandanxioustoseethemusician。
　　Thelittlegirldidnotlookup;shewasinaSchumannmoodthatevening，andonlytheplayersofSchumannknowwhatenthrallingpossessionhetakesoftheirveryspirit。Allthepassionandpathosandwildnessandlonginghadfoundaninspiredinterpreter;andthosewholistenedtoherwereheldbythemagicwhichwasherownsecret，andwhichhadwonforhersuchhonourascomesonlytothefew。SheunderstoodSchumann’smusic，andwasatherbestwithhim。
　　Hadshe，perhaps，chosentoplayhismusicthiseveningbecauseshewishedtobeatherbest？Orwasshemerelybeingimpelledbyanoverwhelmingforcewithinher？Perhapsitwassomethingofboth。
　　Wasshewishingtohumiliatethesepeoplewhohadreceivedhersocoldly？Thislittlegirlwasonlyhuman;perhapstherewassomethingofthatfeelingtoo。Whocantell？ButsheplayedasshehadneverplayedinLondon，orParis，orBerlin，orNewYork，orPhiladelphia。
　　Atlastshearrivedatthe"Carnaval，"andthosewhoheardherdeclaredafterwardthattheyhadneverlistenedtoamoremagnificentrendering。Thetendernesswassorestrained;thevigourwassorefined。Whenthelastnotesofthatspirited"MarchedesDavidsbundlercontrelesPhilistins"haddiedaway，sheglancedatOswaldEverard，whowasstandingnearheralmostdazed。
　　"Andnowmyfavouritepieceofall，"shesaid;andsheatoncebeganthe"SecondNovelette，"thefinestoftheeight，butseldomplayedinpublic。
　　Whatcanonesayofthewildrushoftheleadingtheme，andthepatheticlongingoftheintermezzo？……Themurmuringdyingnotes，Thatfallassoftassnowonthesea;
　　andThepassionatestrainthat，deeplygoing，Refinesthebosomittremblesthrough。
　　Whatcanonesayofthosevagueaspirationsandfinestthoughtswhichpossesstheverydullestamonguswhensuchmusicasthatwhichthelittlegirlhadchosencatchesusandkeepsus，ifonlyforapassingmoment，butthatmomentoftherarestworthandlovelinessinourunlovelylives？
　　Whatcanonesayofthehighestmusicexceptthat，likedeath，itisthegreatleveller：itgathersusalltoitstenderkeeping——andwerest。
　　Thelittlegirlceasedplaying。Therewasnotasoundtobeheard;themagicwasstillholdingherlisteners。Whenatlasttheyhadfreedthemselveswithasigh，theypressedforwardtogreether。
　　"Thereisonlyonepersonwhocanplaylikethat，"criedthemajor，withsuddeninspiration——"sheisMissThyraFlowerdew。"
　　Thelittlegirlsmiled。
　　"Thatismyname，"shesaid，simply;andsheslippedoutoftheroom。
　　Thenextmorning，atanearlyhour，thebirdofpassagetookherflightonward，butshewasnotdestinedtogooffunobserved。OswaldEverardsawthelittlefigureswingingalongtheroad，andsheovertookher。
　　"Youlittlewildbird！"hesaid。"Andsothiswasyourgreatidea——tohaveyourfunoutofusall，andthenplaytousandmakeusfeelI
　　don’tknowhow，andthentogo。"
　　"Yousaidthecompanywantedstirringup，"sheanswered，"andIratherfancyIhavestirredthemup。"
　　"Andwhatdoyousupposeyouhavedoneforme？"heasked。
　　"IhopeIhaveprovedtoyouthatthebellows-blowerandtheorganistaresometimesidentical，"sheanswered。
　　Butheshookhishead。
　　"Littlewildbird，"hesaid，"youhavegivenmeagreatidea，andI
　　willtellyouwhatitis：/totameyou/。Sogood-byeforthepresent。"
　　"Good-bye，"shesaid。"Butwildbirdsarenotsoeasilytamed。"
　　Thenshewavedherhandoverherhead，andwentonherwaysinging。
　　KOOSJE：ASTUDYOFDUTCHLIFE
　　byJOHNSTRANGEWINTER
　　HernamewasKoosjevanKampen，andshelivedinUtrecht，thatmostquaintofquaintcities，theVeniceoftheNorth。
　　AllherlifehadbeenpassedundertheshadowofthegrandoldDomKerk;shehadplayedbo-peepbehindthecolumnsandarcadesoftheruined，moss-growncloisters;hadslippedupandfallendownthestepsleadingtothe/grachts/;hadonceortwice，inthisveryearlylife，beenfishedoutofthosesameslimy，stagnantwaters;hadwanderedunderthegreatlindensintheBaan，andgazedcuriouslyupatthestork’snestinthetreebytheVeterinarySchool;hadpatteredaboutthehollow-soundingstreetsinhernoisywooden/klompen/;haddancedandlaughed，hadquarrelledandwept，andfoughtandmadefriendsagain，tothetuneofthesilverchimeshighupintheDom——chimesthatweresometimesold/Nederlandsche/hymns，sometimesMendelssohn’smelodiesandtender"LiederohneWorte。"
　　Butthatwaseversolongago，andnowshehadleftherrompingchildhoodbehindher，andhadbecomeamaid-servant——averydignifiedandaristocraticmaid-servantindeed——withnolessasumthaneightpoundstenayearinwages。
　　Shelivedinthehouseofaprofessor，whodweltontheMunsterKerkhoff，oneofthemostaristocraticpartsofthatwonderfullyaristocraticcity;andonceortwiceeveryweekyoumighthaveseenher，ifyouhadbeentheretosee，busilyengagedinwashingtheredtileandblueslatepathwayinfrontoftheprofessor’shouse。Youwouldhaveseenthatshewasverypleasanttolookat，thisKoosje，verycomelyandclean，whethershehappenedtobeverybusy，orwhetherithadbeenSunday，and，withherverybestgownon，shewasoutforapromenadeintheBaan，afterdulygoingtoserviceasregularlyastheSabbathdawnedinthegrandoldGothicchoirofthecathedral。
　　Duringtheweeksheworealwaysthesamecostumeasdoeseveryotherservantinthecountry：askirtofblackstuff，shortenoughtoshowapairofveryneat-setandwell-turnedankles，cladinclothshoesandknittedstockingsthatshowednowrinkles;overtheskirtabodiceandakirtleoflilac，madewithaneatlygatheredfrillingaboutherroundbrownthroat;abovethefrillingfiveorsixrowsofunpolishedgarnetbeadsfastenedbyamassiveclaspofgoldfiligree，andonherheadaspotlesswhitecaptiedwithaneatbowunderherchin——asneat，letmetellyou，asanEnglishman’stieataparty。
　　ButitwasonSundaythatKoosjeshoneforthinallthegloryofablackgownandherjewellery——withgreatear-ringstomatchtheclaspofhernecklace，andaheavychainandcrosstomatchthatagain，andoneortworings;whileonherheadsheworeanimmensecap，muchtoobigtoputabonnetover，thoughforwalkingshewasmostparticulartohavegloves。
　　Then，indeed，shewasayoungpersontobetreatedwithrespect，andwithrespectshewasundoubtedlytreated。Asshepassedalongthequaint，resoundingstreets，manyaheadwasturnedtolookafterher;
　　butKoosjewentonherwaylikethestaidmaidenshewas，dulyimpressedwiththefactthatshewasprincipalservantofProfessorvanDijck，themostcelebratedauthorityonthestudyofosteologyinEurope。SoKoosjeneverheededthelooks，turnedherheadneithertotherightnortotheleft，butwentsedatelyonherbusinessorpleasure，whicheverithappenedtobe。
　　Itwasnotlikelythatsuchatreasurecouldremainlongunnoticedandunsoughtafter。ServantsintheNetherlands，Ihear，arenotsogoodbutthattheymightbebetter;andmostpeopleknewwhatatreasureProfessorvanDijckhadinhisKoosje。However，astheprofessorconscientiouslyraisedherwagesfromtimetotime，Koosjeneverthoughtofleavinghim。
　　Butthereisonebribenowomancanresist——thebribethatisofferedbylove。AsProfessorvanDijckhadexpectedandfeared，thatbribeerelongwasheldouttoKoosje，andKoosjewastooweaktoresistit。
　　Notthathewishedhertodoso。Ifthegirlhadachanceofsettlingwellandhappilyforlife，hewouldbethelasttodreamofthrowinganyobstacleinherway。Hehadcometobeanoldmanhimself;helivedallalone，saveforhisservants，inagreat，ramblinghouse，whosehugeapartmentswereallsetoutwithhorribleanatomicalpreparationsandgrislyskeletons;and，thoughthestatelypassageswerepavedwithwhitemarble，andledintoroomswhichwouldeasilyhaveaccommodatedcrowdsofguests，hewentintonosocietysavethatofsavantsasoldandfossil-likeashimself;inotherwords，hewasanoldbachelorwholivedentirelyforhisprofessionandthestudyofthegreatmastersbytheinterpretationofagenuineoldStradivari。
　　Yettheoldprofessorhadamemory;herecalledthetimewhenhehadbeenyoungwhonowwasold——thetimewhenhisheartwasagooddealmoretender，hisbloodagreatdealwarmer，andhisfancyverymuchmoreeasilystirredthannowadays。Therewasadead-and-goneromancewhichhadbrokenhisheart，sentimentallyspeaking——aromancelongsincecrumbledintodust，whichhadsenthimforcomfortintothestudyofosteologyandthemusicoftheStradivari;yetthememorythereofmadehimconsiderablymorelenienttoKoosje’sweaknessthanKoosjeherselfhadeverexpectedtofindhim。
　　Notthatshehadintendedtotellhimatfirst;shewasonlythreeandtwenty，and，thoughJanvanderWeldewasasfineafellowascouldbeseeninUtrecht，andhadgoodwagesandsomethingputby，Koosjewasbynomeansinclinedtorushheadlongintomatrimonywithunduehurry。
　　Itwasmorepleasanttoliveintheprofessor’sgoodhouse，tohavedelightfulwalksarminarmwithJanunderthetreesintheBaanorroundtheSingels，partingunderthestarswithmanyalingeringwordandpromisetomeetagain。Itwasduringoneofthoseverypartingsthattheprofessorsuddenlybecameaware，ashewalkedplacidlyhome，ofthechangethathadcomeintoKoosje’slife。
　　However，Koosjetoldhimblushinglythatshedidnotwishtoleavehimjustatpresent;sohedidnottroublehimselfaboutthematter。Hewasawiseman，thisoldauthorityonosteology，andquotedoftentimes，"Sufficientuntothedayistheevilthereof。"
　　Sothecourtshipspedsmoothlyon，seemingforoncetocontradictthetruthoftheoldsaying，"Thecourseoftrueloveneverdidrunsmooth。"Thecourseoftheirlovedid，ofatruth，runmarvellouslysmoothindeed。Koosje，ifatriflecoy，waspleasantandsweet;Janasfineafellowaseverwaitedroundacorneronacoldwinternight。Sobrightlythehappydaysslippedby，whensuddenlyachangewaseffectedintheprofessor’shouseholdwhichmade，asamatterofcourse，somewhatofachangeinKoosje’slife。Itcameaboutinthiswise。
　　Koosjehadbeenonanerrandfortheprofessor，——onethathadkeptheroutofdoorssometime，——andithappenedthatthenightwasbitterlycold;thecold，indeed，wasfearful。TheairhadthatdamprawnesssonoticeableinDutchclimate，athickmistoverhungthecity，andadrizzlingraincamedownwithasteadypersistencesuchasquicklysoakedthroughthestoutestandthickestgarments。Thestreetswerewell-nighempty。Thegreatthoroughfare，theOudeGracht，wasalmostdeserted，andasKoosjehurriedalongtheMeinerbroederstraat——forshehadasecondcommissionthere——shedrewhergreatshawlmoretightlyroundher，mutteringcrossly，"Whatweather！yesterdaysowarm，to-daysocold。’Tisenoughtogiveonethefever。"
　　Shedeliveredhermessage，andranonthroughOudeKerkhoffasfastasherfeetcouldcarryher，when，justassheturnedthecornerintotheDomplein，afiercegustofwind，accompaniedbyablindingshowerofrain，assailedher;herfootcaughtagainstsomethingsoftandheavy，andshefell。
　　"Blessus！"sheejaculated，blankly。"Whatfoolhasleftabundleoutonthepathonsuchanight？Pitchdark，withhalfthelampsout，andrainandmistenoughtoblindone。"
　　Shegatheredherselfup，rubbingelbowsandkneesvigorously，castingthewhiledarkglancesattheobnoxiousbundlewhichhadcausedthedisaster。Justthenthewindwaslulled，thelampcloseathandgaveoutasteadylight，whichsheditsraysthroughthefoguponKoosjeandthebundle，fromwhich，tothegirl’shorroranddismay，cameafaintmoan。Quicklyshedrewnearer，whensheperceivedthatwhatshehadbelievedtobeabundlewasindeedawoman，apparentlyinthelaststageofexhaustion。
　　Koosjetriedtolifther;butthedead-weightwasbeyondher，youngandstrongasshewas。Thentherainandthewindcameonagaininfiercerguststhanbefore;thewoman’smoansgrewlouderandlouder，andwhattodoKoosjeknewnot。
　　Shestruggledonforthefewstepsthatlaybetweenherandtheprofessor’shouse，andthensherangapealwhichresoundedthroughtheechoingpassages，bringingDortje，theothermaid，runningout;
　　afterthemannerofherclass，imaginingallsortsofterriblecatastropheshadhappened。SheutteredacryofreliefwhensheperceiveditwasonlyKoosje，who，withoutvouchsafinganyexplanation，dashedpastherandranstraightintotheprofessor’sroom。
　　"Oprofessor！"shegaspedout;but，betweenhereffortstoremovethewoman，herstrugglewiththeelements，andherracedownthepassage，herbreathwasutterlygone。
　　Theprofessorlookedupfromhisbookandhistea-trayinsurprise。
　　ForamomenthethoughtthatKoosje，hisdomestictreasure，hadaltogethertakenleaveofhersenses;forshewasstreamingwithwater，coveredwithmud，andheadandcapwereinastateofdisorder，suchasneitherhenoranyoneelsehadeverseentheminsincethelasttimeshehadbeenfishedoutoftheNieuweGracht。
　　"Whatisthematter，Koosje？"heasked，regardinghergravelyoverhisspectacles。
　　"There’sawomanoutside——dying，"shepanted，"Ifelloverher。"
　　"Youhadbettertrytogetherinthen，"theoldgentlemansaid，inquitearelievedtone。"YouandDortjemustbringherin。Dear，dear，poorsoul！butitisadreadfulnight。"
　　Theoldgentlemanshiveredashespoke，anddrewalittlenearertothetallwhiteporcelainstove。
　　Itwas，ashehadsaidaminutebefore，aterriblenight。Hecouldhearthewindbeatingaboutthehouseandrattlingaboutthecasementsandmoaningdownthechimneys;andtothinkanypoorsoulshouldbeoutonsuchanight，/dying/！Heavenpreserveotherswhomightbebelatedorhouselessinanypartoftheworld！
　　Hefellintoafitofabstraction，——ahabitnotuncommonwithlearnedmen，——wonderingwhylifeshouldbesodifferentwithdifferentpeople;
　　whyheshouldbeinthatwarm，handsomeroom，withitssoftrichhangingsandcarpet，withitsbeautifulfurnitureofcarvedwood，itspictures，andtherarechinascatteredhereandthereamongthegrimarrayofskeletonswhichwerehisdelight。HewonderedwhyheshouldtakehisteaoutofcostlyandvaluableOrientalchina，sugarandcreamoutofantiquesilver，whileotherpoorsoulshadnoteaatall，andnothingtotakeitoutofeveniftheyhad。Hewonderedwhyheshouldhavealampunderhisteapotthatwasaverymarvelofarttransparencies;whyheshouldhaveeveryluxury，andthispoorcreatureshouldbedyinginthestreetamidthewindandtherain。Itwasallveryunequal。
　　Itwasveryodd，theprofessorargued，leaninghisbackagainstthetall，warmstove;itwasveryoddindeed。Hebegantofeelthat，grandasthestudyofosteologyundoubtedlyis，heoughtnottopermitittobecomesoengrossingastoblindhimtothestudyofthegreaterphilosophiesoflife。Hisreveriewas，however，brokenbytheabruptreentranceofKoosje，whothistimewasatriflelessbreathlessthanshehadbeenbefore。
　　"Wehavegotherintothekitchen，professor，"sheannounced。"Sheisachild——amerebaby，andsopretty！Shehasopenedhereyesandspoken。"
　　"Givehersomesoupandwine——hot，"saidtheprofessor，withoutstirring。
　　"Butwon’tyoucome？"sheasked。
　　Theprofessorhesitated;hehatedattendingincasesofillness，thoughhewasaproperlyqualifieddoctorandinanemergencywouldlayhisprejudiceaside。
　　"OrshallIrunacrossforthegoodDr。Smit？"Koosjeasked。"Hewouldcomeinaminute，onlyitis/such/anight！"
　　Atthatmomentafiercergustthanbeforerattledatthecasements，andtheprofessorlaidasidehisscruples。
　　Hefollowedhishousekeeperdownthechilly，marble-flaggedpassageintothekitchen，whereheneverwentformonthstogether——acoseyenough，pleasantplace，withadeepvalancehangingfromthemantel-
　　shelf，withmanygreatcopperpans，brightandshiningasnewgold，andfurnitureallscrubbedtothewhitenessofsnow。
　　Inanarm-chairbeforetheopenedstovesattherescuedgirl——aslight，golden-hairedthing，withwistfulblueeyesandafrightenedair。Everymomentshecaughtherbreathinahalf-hystericalsob，whileviolentshiversshookherfromheadtofoot。
　　Theprofessorwentandlookedatheroverhisspectacles，asifshehadbeensomecuriousspecimenofhisfavouritestudy;butatthesametimehekeptatarespectfuldistancefromher。
　　"Givehersomesoupandwine，"hesaid，atlength，puttinghishandsunderthetailsofhislongdressing-gownoffloweredcashmere。"Somesoupandwine——hot;andputhertobed。"
　　"Isshethentoremainforthenight？"Koosjeasked，alittlesurprised。
　　"Oh，don’tsendmeaway！"thegolden-hairedgirlbrokeout，inavoicethatwaspositivelyawail，andclaspingapairofpretty，slenderhandsinpiteoussupplication。
　　"Wheredoyoucomefrom？"theoldgentlemanasked，muchasifheexpectedshemightsuddenlyjumpupandbitehim。
　　"FromBeijerland，mynheer，"sheanswered，withasob。
　　"So！Koosje，sheisremarkablywelldressed，isshenot？"theprofessorsaid，glancingatthecostlylacehead-gear，theheavygoldhead-piece，whichlayonthetabletogetherwiththegreatgoldspiralornamentsandfiligreependants——adazzlingheadofrichness。Helooked，too，atthegirl’swhitehands，attherich，crape-ladengown，attheirdelicatebeauty，andshowerofwavinggoldenhair，which，releasedfromtheconfinementofthecapandhead-piece，floatedinarichmassofglitteringbeautyoverthepillowswhichhisservanthadplacedbeneathherhead。
　　Theprofessorwasold;theprofessorwaswhollygivenuptohisprofession，whichhejokinglycalledhissweetheart;and，thoughhecuthalfofhisacquaintancesinthestreetthroughinattentionandtheshortnessofhissight，hehadeyesinhishead，anduponoccasionscouldusethem。Hethereforerepeatedthequestion。
　　"Verywelldressedindeed，professor，"returnedKoosje，promptly。
　　"AndwhatareyoudoinginUtrecht——insuchaplightasthis，too？"heasked，stillkeepingatasafedistance。
　　"Omynheer，Iamallaloneintheworld，"sheanswered，herbluemistyeyesfilledwithtears。"Ihadamonthagoadear，good，kindfather，buthehasdied，andIamindeeddesolate。Ialwaysbelievedhimrich，andtothesethings，"withagesturethatincludedherdressandtheornamentsonthetable，"Ihaveeverbeenaccustomed。ThusIorderedwithoutconsiderationsuchclothesasIthoughtneedful。AndthenI
　　foundtherewasnothingforme——notahundredguilderstocallmyownwhenallwaspaid。"
　　"ButwhatbroughtyoutoUtrecht？"
　　"Hesentmehere，mynheer。Inhislastillness，onlyofthreedays’
　　duration，hebademegatheralltogetherandcometothiscity，whereIwastoaskforaMevrouwBaake，hiscousin。"
　　"MevrouwBaake，oftheSigarenFabrijk，"saidDortje，inanaside，totheothers。"IlivedservantwithherbeforeIcamehere。"
　　"Ihadheardverylittleabouther，onlymyfatherhadsometimesmentionedhiscousintome;theyhadoncebeenbetrothed，"thestrangercontinued。"ButwhenIreachedUtrechtIfoundshewasdead——
　　twoyearsdead;butwehadneverheardofit。"
　　"Dear，dear，dear！"exclaimedtheprofessor，pityingly。"Well，youhadbetterletKoosjeputyoutobed，andwewillseewhatcanbedoneforyouinthemorning。"
　　"AmItomakeupabed？"Koosjeasked，followinghimalongthepassage。
　　Theprofessorwheeledroundandfacedher。
　　"Shehadbettersleepintheguestroom，"hesaid，thoughtfully，regardlessofthecoldwhichstrucktohisslipperedfeetfromthemarblefloor。"Thatistheonlyroomwhichdoesnotcontainspecimensthatwouldprobablyfrightenthepoorchild。Iamverymuchafraid，Koosje，"heconcluded，doubtfully，"thatsheisalady;andwhatwearetodowithaladyIcan’tthink。"
　　Withthattheoldgentlemanshuffledofftohiscoseyroom，andKoosjeturnedbacktoherkitchen。
　　"He’llneverthinkofmarryingher，"musedKoosje，ratherblankly。Ifshehadspokenthethoughtstotheprofessorhimself，shewouldhavereceivedaveryemphaticassurancethat，muchasthestudyofosteologyandtheStradivarihadblindedhimtotheaffairsofthisworkadayworld，hewasnotyetsothoroughlyfoolishastojoinhisfossilisedwisdomtotheignoranceofachildofsixteenorseventeen。
　　However，onthemorrowmattersassumedasomewhatdifferentaspect。
　　GertrudevanFlooteprovedtobenotexactlyagentlewoman。Itistruethatherfatherhadbeenawell-to-domanforhisstationinlife，andhadverymuchspoiledandindulgedhisonemotherlesschild。Yethereducationwassoslightthatshecoulddolittlemorethanreadandwrite，besidesspeakingalittleEnglish，whichshehadpickedupfromtheyachtsmenfrequentinghernativetown。TheprofessorfoundshehadbeenbutadistantrelativeoftheMevrouwBaake，toseekwhomshehadcometoUtrecht，andthatshehadnokinsfolkuponwhomshecoulddepend——afactwhichaccountedfortheprofusionofherjewellery，allhergoldentrinketshavingdescendedtoherasheirlooms。
　　"Icanbeyourservant，mynheer，"shesuggested。"Indeed，Iamaveryusefulgirl，asyouwillfindifyouwillbuttryme。"
　　Now，asarule，theprofessorvigorouslysethisfaceagainstadmittingyoungservantsintohishouse。Theybrokehischina，theydisarrangedhisbones，theymeddledwithhispapers，andmadegeneralhavoc。So，intruth，hewasnotverywillingtohaveGertrudevanFlooteasapermanentmemberofhishousehold，andhesaidso。
　　ButKoosjehadtakenafancytothegirl;andhavinganeyetoherowndepartureatnoverydistantdate，——forshehadbeenbetrothedmorethantwoyears，——shepleadedsohardtokeepher，promisingtotrainherinalltheprofessor’sways，toteachherthevalueofoldchinaandosteologicspecimens，thateventually，withagooddealofgrumbling，theoldgentlemangaveway，and，beingawiseaswellasanoldgentleman，wentbacktohisstudies，dismissingKoosjeandthegirlalikefromhisthoughts。
　　JustatfirstTruide，poorchild，wascharmed。
　　Sheputawayhersplendidornaments，andsomelilacfrocksandblackskirtswerepurchasedforher。Herbox，whichshehadleftatthestation，suppliedallthatwasnecessaryforSunday。
　　Itwasgreatfun！Forawholeweekthisyoungpersondancedabouttheramblingoldhouse，playingatbeingaservant。Thenshebegantogrowalittlewearyofitall。Shehadbeenaccustomed，ofcourse，toperformingsuchofficesasallDutchladiesfulfil——thecareofchina，oflinen，thedustingofrooms，andthelike;butshehaddonethemasamistress，notasanunderling。Andthatwasnottheworst;itwaswhenitcametoherprettyfeethavingtobethrustintoklompen，andherhavingtotakeapailandsyringeandmopandcleanthewindowsandthepathwayandthefrontofthehouse，thatthegameofmaid-