sistance of Eric's mother; above all else, however, Clodwig had to be
considered, for the connection with Clodwig was not Pranken's, but
Eric's work, and Clodwig was the most powerful ally in the execution of
the plan.

Sonnenkamp was actuated by a twofold jealousy: the clergy had taken one
child from him; this time, a man of the world was on the point of
taking away the other. He did not disapprove in direct terms of Eric's
ideas, he merely cautioned his son as to there being no need of such
utter submission to a paid person, adding that he saw no necessity of
his fretting too much about his studies, which might do well enough for
people who had to fight their way in life, but certainly not for a
young man who required just about knowledge enough to be able to
express an opinion of his own. He admonished his son not to allow his
life to be disturbed by fantasies; and found it an easy task once more
to make the glitter of a soldier's life in the capital appear very
attractive to him.

Soon after the first salutations were exchanged, Sonnenkamp enquired of
Eric where he had been the day before; putting this question very much
like a master, whose servant's time is by right his own, and who is
therefore justified in demanding a proper account thereof.

Eric told him of his visit to Wolfsgarten, dwelling more particularly
on a description of the Russian prince.

Sonnenkamp smiled; he was pleased to see, that this proud virtue knew
so well how to hide his deviations from the straight path.

Roland was evidently inclined to break through the strict discipline
which Eric had introduced, and which he himself had re-established;
whenever he stayed through a lesson he looked sullen, the instigations
of his father beginning to show their effect. A glance at Eric
frequently would show the latter, that Roland almost looked upon him as
his jailor. Hitherto Roland had only seen things with Eric's eyes, and
regarded whatever happened to him as if he were expected to accept it
for Eric's sake, all this was now at an end. In the dim distance still
resounded, the notes of martial music and the laughter of military
officers conversing gaily.

Eric could not but notice this change in his pupil; it made him feel
sad. He could devote all his energy to Roland. Roland received it much
against his will; and since he no longer hesitated to manifest his
displeasure, his ill-humor of old returned and revived. Again and again
the hardship of