then, choosing a rather devious route, skirting the
fine old Council House, which is the most distinctive
feature of Witanbury Market Place, he hurried back
to his big stores.

Mrs. Otway opened the wrought-iron gate of the
Trellis House with a feeling of restful satisfaction;
but there, in her own pretty, peaceful home, a not
very pleasant surprise awaited her. Good old Anna,
hurrying out into the black and white hall to meet
her gracious lady, did not receive Mr. Hegner's kind
invitation as her mistress had supposed she would do.
A look of indecision and annoyance crossed her pink
face.

"Ach, but to go to Mr. Frohling promised have
I," she muttered.

And then Mrs. Otway exclaimed, "But the Frohlings
are Germans! They will certainly be there
themselves. Mr. Frohling cannot have known of this
meeting when he and his wife asked you to supper.
I think, Anna, that it is your duty to attend this
gathering. The Dean not only approves of it, but,
from what I could make out, he actually suggested
that it should take place. Of course I know it makes
no real difference to you; but still, Anna," she spoke
reprovingly, "you should not forget at such a time
as this that you are German-born."

The old woman looked up quickly at her mistress.
Forget she was German-born! Mrs. Otway was a
most good lady, a most kind employer, but she was
sometimes foolish, very very foolish, in what she
said! She, Anna Bauer, had often noticed it. Still,
averse as she was from the thought, the old German

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v?