ook upon the Artus Hof and the figures of the
burgomaster and the page as outward, superficial excitements of this
description. He condemned himself to go back and work in the office,
regardless of the loathing, which often came so forcibly upon him that
he was obliged to leave off work all of a sudden and rush into the open
air. Herr Elias, with careful consideration, attributed this to the
poor state of health which he felt certain the deadly pale face of the
youngster indicated.

"A considerable time elapsed--the St. Dominic's Fair was at hand, after
which Traugott was to marry Christina, and be formally announced to the
commercial world as Roos's partner. This point of time was, to him,
that of his sorrowful farewell to all his fair hopes and beautiful
dreams; and it lay heavy on his heart when he saw Christina hard at
work having everything scrubbed and polished on the second floor,
folding curtains with her own hands, giving the final polish and
glitter to all the brass, etc.

"One day, in the thick of the turmoil in the Artus Hof, at its most
crowded hour, Traugott heard a voice behind him, whose well-remembered
tones went straight to his heart:

"'Is this paper really at such a discount?'

"He turned quickly, and saw, as he had expected, the wonderful old man,
who had gone up to a broker to sell some paper whose price was
tremendously depreciated. The handsome lad was standing behind the old
man, and cast a sad, kindly look at Traugott. He went quickly up, and
said:

"'Excuse me, sir; but that paper is very low in the market just at
present. Still, there can be no doubt that it will stand much better in
a very few days. If you will take my advice, you will keep it, and not
sell till the quotation is more favourable.'

"'My good sir,' said the old man coldly and irritably, 'what have you
got to do with my affairs? How do you know but that I may want ready
money just at this particular moment, so that this piece of paper may
be of no use to me?'

"Traugott, vexed that the old man had taken his interference so amiss,
was going quickly away, but the lad looked beseechingly at him with
tearful eyes.

"'I meant you kindly, sir,' he said quickly, 'and I can't allow you to
be such a serious loser. Sell me the paper, on the understanding that I
pay you the higher rate which it will stand at in a day or two.'

"'You're a strange person,' said the old man; 'I don't see why you
should go making my fortune in thi