That fat, little boy in a reefer and brown leather
leggings is bursting with joy. Let us go and praise his boat,
Fraulein."
They went and Robin praised the boat until its owner was breathless
with rapture. Fraulein Hirsch, standing near her, looked furtively
at all the benches round the circle, giving no incautiously interested
glance to any one of them in particular. Presently, however, she
said:
"I think that is Lady Etynge sitting on the third bench from
here. I said to you that I had heard she was in London. I wonder
if her daughter is still in the Convent at Tours?"
When Robin returned, she saw a quiet woman in perfect mourning
recognize Fraulein Hirsch with a a bow and smile which seemed to
require nearer approach.
"We must go and speak to her." Fraulein Hirsch said. "I know she
wil wish me to present you. She is fond of young girls--because
of Helene."
Robin went forward prettily. The woman was gentle looking and
attracting. She had a sweet manner and was very kind to Fraulein
Hirsch. She seemed to know her well and to like her. Her daughter,
Helene, was still in the Convent at Tours but was expected home
very shortly. She would be glad to find that Fraulein Hirsch was
in London.
"I have turned the entire top story of my big house into a pretty
suite for her. She has a fancy for living high above the street,"
smiled Lady Etynge, indulgently.
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