Mrs. Maxa went next to Leonore’s room, which used to be extremely pretty.  Lovely pictures used to hang on the walls, chairs covered in light blue silk were standing about, a half-rounded bed was placed in a corner, and she remembered the dearest little desk on which two flower vases, always filled with fresh roses, used to stand.  Mrs. Maxa did not even go in this time, it was too horribly forlorn.  The only thing which still spoke of old times was the wallpaper with the tiny red and blue flowers.  She quickly went out.  Throwing a single glance at the large ball-room, she likened it to a dreary desert.  Not a curtain, not a chair or painting could be seen.  Where could all the valuable damask-covered furniture have gone to?  Was it possible that the castle had been robbed and no one knew of it?

It was probable, however, that Mr. Trius did not know about anything, and it was plain that the Baron himself had not troubled about these things.  Mrs. Maxa hurriedly went back to him.

“To what a dreary home you have come back, my poor friend!” she cried out, “and I know that your mother never wished you to find it like this.  How unhappy you must have felt when you entered these walls after so many years!  You cannot help feeling miserable here, and it is all quite incomprehensible to me.”

“Not to me,” the Baron quietly replied; “I somehow felt it had to be that way.  Did I value my home before?  It is a just retribution to me to find the place so empty and forlorn.  I only returned to die here and I can await death in daytime on my chair out here and at night time in my nest.  I need nothing further; but death has not come as quickly as I thought it would.  Why are you trying to bring me back to life again?”

“This is what I decidedly mean to do, so we shall banish the subject of death from now on, as I confidently believe that our Lord in Heaven has other plans for you,” Mrs. Maxa said decisively.  “I can see for myself that it is better for Leonore to stay with us, and I am ever so happy for your permission.  May I write the ladies in Hanover that you do not want Leonore to be fetched away for the present?”

The Baron heartily gave this permission.

“I have to trouble you for one thing, Baron.  Can you remember Apollonie, who was for many years your most faithful servant?”

The Baron smilingly answered, “Of course I remember her.  How could I possibly forget Apollonie, who was always ready to help us in everything.  Your little daughter has already given me news of her.”

“She is the only one who might know what happened to the furniture,” Mrs. Maxa continued.  “I am going to see her right away, and I wish you would admit her when she comes.  In case the place has really been robbed, you must let me get what you require.  Nobody is looking after you and you stand sorely in need of good care.  I am quite sure that your mother would like me to look after you.  Do you not think so?”