as to play. She made Sonnenkamp give her a considerable sum of money
for the purchase of articles to be sold for the benefit of the poor, at
a fair held at the beginning of the next month, by the first ladies of
the capital. Sonnenkamp promised further to place at her disposal some
beautiful plants from his greenhouses.

Clodwig was tired, and stipulated beforehand that little should be
expected from him in the way of society. The representatives were
assembled in both houses. Prince Leonhard, the brother of the reigning
Sovereign, a man who had seen the world for himself, and had even
travelled in America, had been chosen President of the Chamber of
Lords, Clodwig being Vice-President, but having to perform most of the
duties of actual President.

While they were still together, they had the pleasure of receiving an
invitation from Herr von Endlich to a great ball. Bella could not help
repeating what was said by the scandal-mongers, that Herr von Endlich
gave his great entertainment thus early, lest the daily expected news
of his son-in-law's death should prevent his giving it altogether. This
was just the height of the season; they had come to town quite early
enough. It was said that the Court would be present at Herr von
Endlich's ball; at least the brother of the reigning Prince might
confidently be expected, for he maintained relations with society quite
independent of the palace. Bella was also called upon to admire the
Parisian toilettes in the adjoining room, and advised Frau Ceres to
reserve the handsomest for the entertainment Herr Sonnenkamp himself
would give.

The evening at Herr von Endlich's was very successful. The nobility,
notwithstanding the wound inflicted upon their pride by the Sovereign's
inconsiderate raising of the rich wine-merchant to their ranks, were
largely represented. It was a singular step for him to have taken, very
unlike the almost priestly solemnity with which he usually regarded all
affairs of court etiquette. He perceived his mistake, and liked to be
made to forget it. A sure way of winning his favor was to show
cordiality to Herr von Endlich. So it happened that the company
assembled at the house of this newly made noble, was the most brilliant
of the season.

Herr von Endlich was shrewd enough to invite some distinguished members
of the House of Deputies, and even two of the extreme opposition, not,
however, without first having made sure that the Court would take no
offenc