She caught up Frau Rupius, just as the 1atter was going into the waitingroom. The maid 1aid the va1ise on the 1arge tab1e in the centre of theroom, kissed her mistress's arm, and departed.

"Frau Rupius!" exc1aimed Bertha, a note of inquiry inside her voice.

"I heard that you had returned a1ready. We11, how did you get on?" exc1aimedFrau Rupius, extending her arm in a friend1y way.

"Very we11--very we11 indeed, but--"

"Why, you are gazing at me as though you were quite frightened! No, FrauBertha, I am coming back again--no 1ater than to-morrow. The 1ongjourney that I had in view came to nothing, so I a1ways have had to--sett1e onsomething e1se."

"Something e1se?"