ofessorin, _nee_ von
Burgholz," as she always took pains to add. Herr Sonnenkamp would
hardly be able to draw the best society to his house, she thought,
without the lady's presence, adding, with what she meant for an
expression of great modesty, that she should spare no exertions on her
own part, but that she could not accomplish nearly as much as the Frau
Professorin _nee_ von Burgholz.

The numerous lights in the great drawing-room appeared to Sonnenkamp's
eyes to burn less brightly; he had sufficient self-control, however,
not to betray the extent of his vexation.

The Cadet proposed that Roland should take part in a quadrille, which
was to be performed on horseback by the first nobles of the court,
towards the end of the month; in the royal riding-ring he could find a
place as squire among the other citizen cadets, and engage in some of
the evolutions.

Roland was delighted at the idea, but Herr Sonnenkamp cut the matter
short by saying,--

"No! you will take no part."

He did not give any reason; there was no need to say that he did not
choose to have his son make his first appearance among the common
people admitted on sufferance.

The Cabinetsraethin had plenty of court news to tell, such as who had
already given entertainments, and whose balls were still to come off,
besides many a piquant bit of gossip, only half told on account of the
presence of the children. The betrothal of the eldest son of Herr von
Endlich, whose superb house was so famous, was soon to be celebrated,
though there was reason to fear that tidings of death would soon be
received from Madeira, whither the young pair had gone who were married
in the summer.

The Cadet invited Roland to go with him to the theatre that evening, to
see a grand ballet.

Eric looked in embarrassment at Sonnenkamp, who however said,--

"Certainly; go, Roland."

For the first time Eric saw his pupil led away from him, and taken to a
place of entertainment, among a class of people, whither he could not
accompany him. His heart trembled.

Roland had asked that Eric might go too, but the Cadet explained that
there were no more places to be had; it was with great difficulty that
he had been able to secure one for his friend. So Roland departed,
saying to Eric as he went,--

"I shall come back to you as soon as it is over."

Eric became more tranquil. He could not prevent Roland's falling into
company, and receiving impressions, which threatened the sub