and the learned widow, who was reputed as
somewhat erratic, would be the only one committed.

Under high-sounding and lofty expressions of magnanimity and
disinterestedness, there was a hidden policy not easily unravelled.

When Pranken was alone with Sonnenkamp and the Cabinetsraethin,
Sonnenkamp smiled, as one does who considers it a good joke to allow
himself for once to be circumvented. He listened in a very friendly way
while Pranken was representing to him that the Cabinetsrath must be put
in possession of the house at once, for if it were done later, either
shortly before or shortly after the consummation of their wishes, it
would give rise to scandalous remarks.

Sonnenkamp smilingly congratulated his young friend on being so
well-fitted for a diplomatic career; it was not denied by Pranken that
he should adopt that as his employment, rather than the life of a
landed proprietor, provided it could be done with the consent of those
nearest to him, and of his fatherly friend, as he termed Sonnenkamp.

Pranken knew a very accommodating notary, who came that very evening.

The purchase was concluded, and the Cabinetsrath was the neighbor of
Herr Sonnenkamp.

As Sonnenkamp was taking a walk with Pranken in the mild evening, the
latter for the first time shrank from his expected father-in-law, when
he said,--

"My dear young friend, you must certainly have had something to do with
usurers before this. I know these tender-hearted brethren; they hang
together like a secret priesthood. But I would say to you, that the
most delectable insight into the so-called human soul would be
furnished by a history of bribery. I am acquainted with the different
nations and races, I have tried it everywhere, and it has hardly ever
been unsuccessful."

Pranken looked strangely at the man. He had confidence in him; but that
he should speak so freely of the bribery of all nations disturbed him
somewhat, and it pained him greatly to think that he himself was to be
son of such a man.

Sonnenkamp continued good-humoredly,

"You evidently entertain the old prejudice that bribery is a bad thing,
just as a little while ago usury was regarded to be. It's nothing but a
matter of business, and it's a stupid thing for the government to
require an oath from persons, that their transactions shall not be
affected by any receiving of money. As far as I am concerned, it may
be, and it usually is, with the judges, only a matter of form; when