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Gretchen cae consisting of coarse stockings and shoes of leather, of which she was correspondingly proud

"Will you want ht?" she asked

"Till nine Half a crown as usual"

Gretchen sought the kitchen and found an apron and cap These half-croere fine things to pick up occasionally, for it was only upon occasions that she worked at the Black Eagle

In an obscure corner sat the young vintner He had finished his supper and atching and scrutinizing all who cairl; he would have known that head anywhere, whether he saw the face or not He wanted to go to her at once, but knew this action would not be wise

In the very corner itself, his back to the vintner's, and nothing but the wall to look at, was the old man in tatters and patches, the olden coins to goose-girls He was busily engaged in gnawing the leg of a chicken Between tiotten some papers that day He had dined early at the hotel and returned at once to the consulate He was often a visitor at the Black Eagle The beer eet and cool So, having pocketed his papers, he was of a e with Fräu Bauer As he stepped into the big hall, in his evening clothes, he was as conspicuous as a passing ship at sea

"Good evening, Fräu-Wirtin"

"Good evening, your Excellency" She was quite fluttered when this fine young man spoke to her He was the only person who ever caused her eh temporary There was always a whimsical smile on his lips and in his eyes, and Fräu Bauer never knew exactly how to take his You haven't aged the least since last I saw you"

"Which was day before yesterday!"

"Not any further back than that?"

"Not an hour"

She turned to e, while Carmichael's eyes roved in search of a vacant chair He saw but one

"The goose-girl?" he murmured suddenly "Is Gretchen one of your waitresses?"

"She colad to help her," Fräu Bauer replied

"I do not recollect having seen her here before"

"That is because you rarely coht"

Gretchen carried a tray upon which steaetable stew She saw Carmichael and nodded