They soon reached the Sisters' house. "Ah, yes, this is the very
place!" cried the lady, joyfully. "Thank you most sincerely for your
courtesy, dear child. Will you kindly tell us which door to enter? We
gave notice by letter of our coming, and are expected. I am Frau von
Trautenau; these are my two sons, and this is my little daughter, whom
I am bringing to stay here." She offered her hand cordially to the
girl, and looked kindly at her beautiful face.

"I beg that you wilt enter this way, into the parlor," was the modest
reply, as the maiden opened a door on the first floor. "I will inform
Sister Agatha of your arrival."

It was not long ere the gentle Sister made her appearance. She was a
friendly, motherly-looking woman, on whose gray hair was placed a cap
with a pink bow, the badge of the unmarried Sisters. She greeted the
visitors with dignified cordiality.

"Forgive me for bringing my entire family, and allow me to present each
member to you," said Frau von Trautenau, after the first words of
welcome.

"My stepson Alexander, captain of infantry, and my trusty adviser and
support since my husband's death; my son Hans, and my daughter Adele,
your pupil from this time forward, whom I commend most earnestly to
your kindness and care."

Sister Agatha took the child most affectionately in her arms, and
pressing a kiss on her brow, said sweetly:

"You must confide in me, dear child, as if I were your mother, and I