d complaisance must be shown towards these who hold
themselves thus distantly, and it must not be seen that their bearing
is remarked at all.

The relation to Otto von Pranken had begun with the stable, but
proceeding farther, by the connection of the families promised now a
firm basis in the future. Until now, Sonnenkamp's house, park, and
garden, considered as a whole, seemed like some isolated, alien, and
extraneous plant within a flower-pot. Through Eric and his family the
roots had begun to spread, and the plant to grow independently in the
open ground.

The intimate relation with Clodwig and Bella, which Pranken had not
been able to bring about, had been effected through Eric; and now the
Professor's widow was to carry that still farther, by giving and
receiving visits which would naturally unite the families.

Sonnenkamp very cautiously expressed to the Mother his regret, that his
wife did not incline to keep up a neighborly acquaintance with the
respectable families around. The Mother had a desire to get a look into
the life of this part of the country, and to express thanks to those
who had manifested so much friendliness towards her son. She wanted
first to visit the house of the Doctor. Sonnenkamp suggested that she
should then call upon the Justice's family. He placed his whole house
at her disposal if she wished to make invitations.

One beautiful Sunday in the latter part of summer was fixed upon for
visiting the neighborhood.

Frau Ceres had promised to go with them, but when the morning came for
them to start, she declared that it was impossible. The Professorin now
observed, for the first time, a spice of artfulness in her; she had
consented, evidently, to avoid being urged; and now she planted herself
upon her own will, without making any plea of ill health.

Fraeulein Perini remained at home with her.

They drove first to Herr von Endlich's, although they might have known
that the family were absent; they wanted only to leave their cards.

From Herr von Endlich's Sonnenkamp returned to the villa, and left
Roland, Eric, and the Mother, to proceed to the town. He called out to
them at parting, that they must take care not to drink all the wine
that should be offered them.

And when the Mother was now driving with Eric and Roland, the thought
occurred to her that she was not making these visits on her own
account; but she was just as happy in making them as the representative
of her friendly h