Dietrich was going to laugh at these words, but he glanced into Veronica’s face and was silent.  She was more in earnest than he had thought.  He tried to quiet and reassure her, by saying that it was only a dream, and nothing to be afraid of.  The dream came naturally enough, because she was always dwelling upon the tragedy of her father’s death, and in dreams every one knows that faces are always changing.  His explanation, however, did not make much impression upon Veronica.  She said no more about it; but not all Dietrich’s efforts were sufficient to chase the shadows from her face that evening, although he exerted himself to be even more amusing than usual.  Gertrude observed her silence, as they sat about the table, and looked anxiously at her.  When they had separated for the night, Dietrich went into his mother’s room to have a talk with her.  He told her what Veronica had said, and begged her to reason with the young girl and urge her to lay aside these groundless fears which had taken possession of her.  He represented to his mother, that of course he sometimes had things to talk over with his companions, and that there surely was no harm in their going to the Rehbock together for their conversations, and he begged her to make Veronica see the whole affair in a reasonable light.  Gertrude was shocked to find that the child had heard and understood what she had said to the doctor, and distressed that she had taken it so much to heart.  She promised to speak to Veronica, but she also cautioned her son against forming an intimacy with Jost and Blasi.  Dietrich cheerfully gave his word; declaring that he was not particularly fond of their company.  The mother, however, on further consideration, decided to say nothing on the subject to Veronica, for she thought the whole thing would be the sooner forgotten if not spoken of, and she believed it unwise to stir up the terrors of the past.

The next afternoon, Dietrich left home much earlier than usual, determined not to be belated again, and hoping to escape altogether his too insistent companions.  But scarcely had he reached the garden gate when he came upon Blasi, who was lying in wait for him.  Dietrich tried to pass him quickly, and to show him that his company was not desired, but in vain Blasi had not been waiting round half an hour to be turned off like that.  He explained that he was in worse trouble than ever to-day, and wished to borrow more money than ever before; promising, of course, to pay it back very soon; “that is, as soon as possible,” he added.

“Oh yes, well, when will it be possible, I wonder.  How much have you paid me back, as yet, since you began to borrow of me?” said Dietrich angrily.  “Let me go, Blasi, I’ve no time to spare.”

But Blasi went along by his side, and before he had done talking, Jost joined them and held Dietrich fast by the other arm.

“Come, come,” he cried, “I have something to tell you that will make you open your eyes, I guess.  I came in a hurry on purpose not to miss you.  I’ve just come from the Rehbock, and I told them to keep the little back room for us, so that we can talk quietly, without danger of being interrupted.  Come along, I say.”