rfect
sympathy was Eric's mother. The Professor took for granted that Manna
lived on terms of intimate friendship with the noble lady, and he could
not find words strong enough to express his appreciation of her
firmness and nobleness of mind. Manna smiled to hear him say that the
Professorin had converted him from a very low opinion of the
capabilities of her sex, to a conviction that a woman is endowed with
all the characteristics of man, only in a more beautiful shape. Manna
also had many pleasant things to tell of Eric's mother.

This unassuming little man, who had thus dropped by chance into their
circle, had exercised on the minds of all an influence far outweighing
that of the excitements and allurements of the life in the great world.

But even in this society, Sonnenkamp thought only of advancing his own
plans of self-aggrandizement. In a few days the Prince, Clodwig, and
Bella were to take their departure; if he could not win over the
Prince, he was resolved to attach all the nobility at least to his
interests.

CHAPTER XV.

THE MARRIAGE PROCESSION TURNED TO STONE.

The day of the fete had arrived. Roland rode on in front with Pranken,
Sonnenkamp walked with the Banker, and Eric with Clodwig. The day was
clear and sunny, without being too warm. A brilliant company left their
carriages upon the hill, and strolled down; the wood-path to the valley
below.

Eric tried to lead the conversation to Sonnenkamp's receiving a title
of nobility, but Clodwig at once interrupted him, and, with a tone of
almost parental authority, warned him against mixing himself up in any
way with that matter. For the first time, there was something in
Clodwig's look that Eric could not fathom. They went down the path in
silence. A struggle was going on in Eric's mind, and in Clodwig also
was a conflict of feeling concerning his young friend.

As soon as they reached the valley, Sonnenkamp drew Eric aside, and
asked what opinion Clodwig had expressed. Eric replied that he declined
speaking at all upon the subject.

"Thank you--thank you very much," ejaculated Sonnenkamp, with no
apparent reason.

By the side of the brook in Heilingthal Joseph had already spread the
table, and Sonnenkamp had only the addition of a few trifles to
suggest. The company assembled was most select, and all expressed
surprise and pleasure at the arrangements that had been made. The long
lieutenant