"No, Klara is always good to me," was Heidi's
answer.

"And Heidi has never so much as tried to
quarrel, papa," added Klara quickly.

"That is right, and I am glad to hear it," said
her father as he rose to go. "But now my little
Klara must excuse me and let me get something to
eat, for I have had nothing to-day. Afterward I
will come back and show you what I have brought
you."

Herr Sesemann went into the dining-room where
Fräulein Rottenmeier was casting a last glance
over the table to assure herself that all was in
readiness for him. When he had seated himself,
she took the place opposite him, looking the very
picture of despair; turning to her, he said: --

"But my dear Fräulein Rottenmeier, what am I
to think? You are wearing a terribly gloomy face
for my reception. What is the matter? My little
Klara seems bright and cheery enough."

" Herr Sesemann," began the housekeeper very
solemnly, "it is a matter which concerns Klara; we
have been shamefully deceived."

"How so?" asked Herr Sesemann quietly as he
began his luncheon.

"We had decided, as you know, Herr Sesemann,
to add to our family a companion for Klara, and,
knowing as I do, that you wish your daughter to

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