Sonnenkamp fastened upon this expression, "the society of the
nobility;" he had not studied in vain the natural history of bribery,
and Clodwig must be won over by being made one of the nominating
committee, and be bribed by the payment of shares in the new
fancy-stock; but Clodwig conducted himself as if he had no idea what
Sonnenkamp was aiming at. Sonnenkamp was so confused by this, that
instead of requesting directly Clodwig's aid in accomplishing his
purpose, he asked his advice; Clodwig discouraged him very decidedly,
even saying plainly that it was not expedient to unite one's self with
a dying institution, in which one would not feel at home. Sonnenkamp
expressed gratefully his sense of obligation. Clodwig seized a
favorable opportunity to mingle among the guests, and Sonnenkamp could
not again get possession of him.

They drove home in the bright daylight, the host and hostess
accompanying them a part of the way. Sonnenkamp let Roland take a seat
with his mother and Fraeulein Perini, for he did not want to encounter
the displeasure of his wife, who had stared frequently at Bella's
splendid pearl necklace; he took Eric and the Major with him into the
carriage.

"This, then, is German society! In our worthy host there is a good deal
of the professor," said Sonnenkamp. No one made any reply.

He then said in English to Eric, that he deserved great praise for his
tact, that in the presence of Roland, who was still so young, he put so
reserved a face on his friendship for Clodwig and his beautiful wife.
And he said, placing his hand on Eric's shoulder,--

"Young man, I could envy you; I know very well that you will deny all,
but I congratulate you. The old gentleman is right; 'Help yourself' is
no moral principle."

Eric could not positively assert the groundlessness of this
insinuation, and he felt himself severely punished, by this inward
condemnation, for having been guilty even in the slightest passing
thought; and it was consolatory to him to be able to say: I can apply
it to myself, I have tested the worth of 'Help yourself.'

Sonnenkamp also had his reflections upon the words, 'Help yourself,'
and he was vexed at them. He was now seeking to attain something, and
self-help could avail nothing in his efforts, but he must accept the
help of others. He wished now to acquire an elevated position, and this
is a very different thing from the acquisition of money, land,
property, and goods; honor proceeds o