en made for a cheerful
repast in the garden, and Roland gave expression to the general
feeling, when he said:--

"Now I have a grandmother and an aunt, safe in their nest."

In the evening, Eric received a large package of books and a letter
from Professor Einsiedel, and also a large sheet of memoranda. He
commended Eric's intention of writing a treatise upon the idea and
nature of slavery, as it would prove a very fertile theme.

Eric put away the books, for he regarded it as a fortunate thing that
Roland's thoughts were occupied neither upon slavery nor free labor,
nor any kindred topic, but with something entirely different.

The son of the Cabinetsraethin, the cadet, was now at the newly acquired
country-seat, on furlough, and he exhorted Roland to be diligent, so as
to be able before long to enter the military school.

Roland was now wholly bent upon entering the highest class, at the
earliest possible moment. He spoke of it daily to his father and
Pranken. The father one day took him aside and said:--

"My child, it is well, and I am glad that you are so diligent in
getting fitted, but you will not enter--take notice, I show my respect
for you by this communication; I look upon you as a grown-up and mature
man."

He stopped, and Roland asked,--

"When is it that I am to enter?"

"Come nearer, and I will whisper it to you; you are to enter when you
are a noble."

"I a noble? and you too?"

"Yes, all of us; and for your sake I must become ennobled, as you will
see by and by. Do you feel glad at being made a noble?"

"Do you know, father, when I first began to respect nobility?"

Sonnenkamp looked at him inquiringly, and Roland continued:--

"At the railroad station, where I saw a crazy, drunken man. Everybody
showed respect for him, because he was a nobleman, a baron. It is a
great thing to be a nobleman."

Roland now gave an account of the meeting on the morning after his
flight, and Sonnenkamp was surprised at the astonishing effect produced
upon him, and at the lasting impression everything made. He now said:--

"Give me your hand, as a pledge that you will say nothing about this to
your master, Eric, until I shall tell him myself. On the word of an
officer."

After some delay and deliberation, Roland gave his hand.

His father now proceeded to explain to him how disagreeable it would be
to enter the military school under a citizen's name, and while there to
be ennobled.

Roland inquired