The
honey will now taste vinegarish."
"You are a flatterer, uncle--isn't he, tante?" laughed Yolanda, turning
to Aunt Castleman.
"I am afraid he is," said the good frau, in mock distress. "Every one
tries to spoil him."
"You more than any one, tante," cried Yolanda.
"Tut, tut, child," cried Frau Katherine, "I abate his vanity with
frowns."
Yolanda laughed, and the burgher, pinching his wife's red cheek,
protested:--
"_You_ frown? You couldn't frown if you tried. A clear sky may rain as
easily. Get the peering glass, Yolanda, and find, if you can, a wrinkle
on her face."
Yolanda, who was always laughing, threw herself upon the frau's lap and
pretended to hunt for wrinkles. Soon she reported:--
"No wrinkles, uncle--there, you dear old tante, I'll kiss you to keep
you from growing jealous of uncle on my account."
"If any one about this house has been spoiled, it's you, Yolanda," said
Frau Kate, affectionately.
"When you speak after that fashion, tante, you almost make me weep,"
said Yolanda. "Surely you and uncle and Twonette are the only friends I
have, and give me all the joy I know. But, uncle, now that you are at
home, I want you to drink your wine quickly and give me a great deal of
joy--oh, a great deal."
"Indeed I will, my dear. Tell me where to begin," answered Castleman,
draining his goblet.
Yolanda flushed rosily and hesitated. At that moment Twonette, who had
already greeted her father, entered the room.
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